NATO deserts the EU

(BRUSSELS2) Invited to Nicosia, as to every informal meeting of European Union Defense Ministers, NATO was - once again - absent. It is, however, customary for a representative of the Atlantic Alliance - the Secretary General or one of his deputies - to take part in all the "Defence" meetings of the European Union (and vice versa). A principle endorsed in particular at the informal one in Palma de Mallorca and which responded to a desire to strengthen the links between the two organizations, to avoid any duplication or misunderstanding. This was part of the "three-step approach" repeatedly mentioned by Anders-Fogh Rasmussen. This rule was broken at the meeting on Wednesday and Thursday. Even if no valid official explanation has been given, everyone knows the reason. It is the fact that the meeting is taking place in Nicosia and under the Cypriot presidency that has earned this wrath. The Turks having announced stubbornly their desire not to have any relationship with the European Union. The absence, however, did not go unnoticed. And several ministers have commented on what appears above all to be a breach of a principle of reciprocity and a slap in the face to the European Union. She could now leave the door open for this rapprochement not to be as intense as desired. As for Turkey, obviously, it does not grow out of this ordeal which could have been an opportunity for relaxation between the two countries. And his blackmail, open, makes it more than difficult to pursue enlargement negotiations which are in any case at a standstill.

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