Without military HQ, an operational handicap for the EU's comprehensive approach

(BRUSSELS2 to Wroclaw) British Deputy Defense Minister Gerald Howarth reiterated the UK's classic position on the European military HQ during the informal meeting in Wroclaw. This structure poses an institutional problem, while there are other priorities, he explained. There is also a risk of duplication with other existing structures and ultimately a certain cost, while the priorities are elsewhere, particularly in terms of capacity. The British position was openly supported by only one or two countries, it seems. Latvia in particular, Bulgaria also, have expressed some doubts about the need to set up a new administration.

Isolated Britons, possible evolution

Despite this statement, loud and clear, from the British, one can feel a “ possible evolution of the position in London clarified the German Minister of Defense after the meeting during a “debriefing” with the press. A feeling, somewhat, shared at European level. " Lyrics are lyrics explains a European diplomat to B2. It's not really the fact of being quite isolated on the European scene that worries the British. On the contrary. But seeing a permanent structured cooperation being implemented around this project, without participating in it, is a risk despite everything that they can fear.

A very practical necessity

The European External Action Service wanted to defend this project. " The issue isn't really having a building with a big plaque on it ". " But to be able to carry out the global approach policy. This defect (of a military operational HQ) affects our comprehensive approach capability as the EU Chief of Staff, General Håkan Syren, explained during the meeting, in a very pragmatic way. We are swimming, in fact, in the midst of a paradox. At each crisis, the soldier who is normally the most reactive element, is late. “The economic element (development, etc.) of the European Commission is getting under way, slowly but surely. The civilian crisis management element, managed by the CPCC, is present”. But for the last element, military, it " must wait for a political decision which will appoint a competent national OHQ to carry out the operational planning work. Result... we have at least a delay of 15 days or 3 weeks ».