Europe in retreat?
(B2) In quick succession, several political leaders have expressed themselves in the media - the Italian Franco Frattini yesterday in the evening, the Belgian Hervé Morin today in the Point - where we feel a certain weariness dawning.
These remarks are certainly not devoid of political ulterior motives: one is a candidate for the post of Secretary General of NATO, the other positions himself on the French political spectrum. But they come from people who have a "real" European flair and know the European machine. Their remarks deserve attention, all the more so as they are spoken by many people currently working in the European system and other officials.
No will as usual
« The Europeans quit. This resignation concerns as much the appropriations devoted to defence, in constant decline, as the lack of will to build a European security policy. We are talking today about the painful establishment of a training mission in Mali. I experienced the same thing, on other theaters ! explains the former French Defense Minister, Hervé Morin. " We found in this operation all the failings of Europeans: Mrs. Ashton is absent, as usual. The Germans refuse to intervene, as usual. The Europeans show no will, as usual! »
Europe in retreat
“We need to commit a lot more. Europe is a bit behind. We need a much stronger political impetus. explained Franco Frattini yesterday. For Berlusconi's former foreign minister and former European justice and home affairs commissioner, what has been missing so far is " European strength and leadership. (...) Frankly, we have been talking for several years about a European defence, about having if necessary structured cooperation between a certain number of European countries if all the countries are not ready to do so. Unfortunately, we did not move! ».
Nb: this position illustrates continuity in action. Italy had twice asked for defense to be dealt with at the highest level, in a European summit. The European summit scheduled for the end of 2013 is a good thing according to him. He does not say it. But that comes a bit late.
In Mali, it is the typical example of this absence according to Franco Frattini. " I would have preferred a European decision before decisions taken at national level » for logistical aid to the French operation Serval. " When Europe decided to send a Malian army training mission, the EU should have adopted a logistical support mission. »
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
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