A European pillar in NATO. A moving idea (D. Reynders)

(BRUSSELS2 to Chicago) The idea was proposed by several European foreign ministers on Sunday evening during the Atlantic Alliance's ministerial dinner in Chicago. Setting up a European pillar within NATO would be logical for countries such as Germany, France, Italy and the Benelux countries. Didier Reynders, the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs confirmed this to us during an interview with B2. " With several countries - Germany, France, Benelux (also Italy), we pleaded for the strengthening of European cooperation which is a pillar within the Alliance, to also strengthen collaboration within the 'European Union »

Why now ?

Didier Reynders • It must be clearly understood that the first partnership within the Alliance is the Euro-Atlantic partnership. 77% of the total is financed by the Americans, those who will reduce their expenses, so will we. We may have, thanks to this budgetary climate, a chance to really relaunch cooperation in Europe. But more than simple collaborations between countries, a real European defence. It would be a European pillar of NATO.

Are the Americans in favor of it?

DR • There is an evolution. In the past, Americans were not always entirely supportive of this idea. It's true, today, the budgetary evolution on both sides of the Atlantic probably makes them much more sensitive to it. The evolution with other partnerships, too, in this direction. If NATO has other partnerships with other regions of the world, then it is important to have a real European defense pillar (within the organisation).

How do you see this collaboration taking place?

DR • We would first have to go through collaborations between States. And, little by little, then move towards a real integration of European armies. We are not there yet, of course; we know that there are many steps to go through. But the evolution is rapid. All the colleagues around the table were going in this direction yesterday. Maybe a little less the British. However, there are a number of programs carried out with the British.

Will we arrive at a European NAC (Council of the Alliance) within the Alliance?

DR (Laughs) Maybe I'll do a carte blanche on the subject. But it's not the day yet...