EUTM Mozambique, Borrell in Russia, purchase of Rafale by Greece, working time in the armies. Some news to follow
(B2) Far from the major news of the fight against Covid-19, we can note in recent days some interesting developments... They will be particularly to follow in the months to come
These developments, closely followed by the B2 team, deserve a little comment for our blog readers.
1. A fourth EUTM, EU military training mission, could see the light of day
The establishment of a new military training mission (EUTM type) in Mozambique is becoming a serious possibility. The technical work has begun, as the Portuguese Foreign Minister told us in a long (exclusive) interview. Augusto Santos Silva returns from Maputo. And his talk is interesting. Because he puts his finger on a strong request from the Mozambican authorities: the training of the special forces of Mozambique. There should be no illusions: the work is in progress. The political green light could take place before the end of June (and the end of the Portuguese presidency). It doesn't mean having 'boots on the ground'. But a small European training mission could gain a foothold in southern Africa. A first in itself for the CSDP.
NB: It will be necessary to carefully observe the French commitment in this new mission. Even if it's not, frankly, the usual French engagement zone, it could make sense for at least two reasons. It is common in European operations to have reciprocal solidarity: in 'exchange' for the commitment of the Portuguese in the Takuba task force. Also look at a map, with Mayotte (and further Reunion), for France, there is also a geographical resonance to this commitment.
2. Russia
The trip of the head of European diplomacy to Russia should not be understated, on the pretext that the European Union has not adopted new sanctions against the Putin regime. It is indeed the bearer of a firm and united message from Europeans. It doesn't seem like anything. But there was a time, when for the same kind of incidents, the Europeans ran in dispersed order to Moscow. Some to express their anger. Others to say, mezzo voice, that business will continue, As usual. That the Europeans have chosen their High Representative to deliver their message is in itself progress.
3. Armament policy in Greek
The contract signed last Monday (January 25) in Athens by the French Minister for the Armed Forces, Florence Parly is interesting in more ways than one. This is the first time that the Rafale has been sold to a European partner. And Paris intends to continue in this direction, by selling the Dassault plane to Finland for example. This sale also symbolizes a rather unprecedented axis between Paris and Athens, but also with Israel, Egypt, the Emirates, all united to limit the desire for Turkish advance in the wider Middle East. It also symbolizes a certain resumption of the arms race, at least in Europe (elsewhere in the Middle East or in Asia, this race has already resumed).
4. Application of European working time rules: very nuanced
Finally, far from the field of operations, we can observe an imperceptible movement in the field of labor law applicable to the armed forces. In conclusions that B2 has read with attention, the Advocate General of the Court of Justice stands up to a himself engaged in a rather 'bold' development in legal terms to recognize a broader exception for France under its 'specificity' (large Opex, Opint + nuclear commitments). It may seem very valuable. In legal terms, this is quite audacious. The tendency of European case law so far has aimed above all to generalize working time to all workers, whatever their status and constraints.
(Nicolas Gros-Verheyde)
However, do not hesitate to join us on B2 Pro.
