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Written question asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour) on Monday, 9 March 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 March 2015. It was answered by Lord Astor of Hever (Conservative) on Thursday, 19 March 2015 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

EU Defence Policy

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of the statement by the President of the European Commission Mr Jean-Claude Juncker that the European Union should have its own army; whether the statement was approved by the European Council; and whether they will renew their opposition to such a policy.

Answer

Mr Juncker's statement was not approved by the EU Member States. The UK remains firmly opposed to centralised EU command or control over military forces, which remains a Member State competence, and has successfully kept the EU focused on strengthening its co-operation with NATO which holds primacy in defence matters.

The Prime Minister made this clear at the December 2013 European Council where strengthened EU-NATO partnership was agreed to be one of the key deliverables. It will be raised again as a fundamental agenda item at the June 2015 European Council where EU Member States will look for ways to further enhance collaboration between the two institutions.

The Government's views on this matter have been consistent and transparent and any attempt to form an 'EU army' would be blocked by the UK. We will continue to emphasise our views to partners and will remain vigilant on the issue.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL5530
Session
2014-15
Subjects
Army European Union EU defence policy
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk