Blog: Is the EU planning an army – and can the UK veto it?

Is the EU planning to create an army? If so, can and should the United Kingdom veto it - up until the UK leave the European Union? The issue has been much debated during September 2016. But this is the classic example of a debate that has created much heat but shed little light. The purpose of this blog post is to clear up misunderstandings. In short, the recently announced plans by France and Germany, by Italy and by the Visegrad countries, and by High Representative Mogherini do not amount to an EU army – and so the UK is not able to veto the EU’s plans.

ESO: Background information: Informal meeting of the 27 heads of state or government, Bratislava, 16 September 2016 http://www.europeansources.info/record/informal-meeting-of-the-27-heads-of-state-or-government-bratislava-16-september-2016/

ESO: Background information: EU Defence, Where Political Opportunity Meets Strategic Necessity http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-defence-where-political-opportunity-meets-strategic-necessity-why-the-eu-is-suddenly-marching-to-a-different-drumbeat-on-defence-germany-eu-military-command-should-be-based-in-brussels/

EUObserver, 17.09.16: UK to veto EU 'defence union' https://euobserver.com/institutional/135134

Politico, 26.09.16: German minister: Britain won’t stop EU army http://www.politico.eu/article/german-minister-britain-wont-stop-eu-army-ursula-von-der-leyen/

Politico, 23.09.16: Martin Schulz hits back at UK over EU army http://www.politico.eu/article/martin-schulz-hits-back-at-uk-over-eu-army-theresa-may-brexit/

Politico, 27.09.16: Britain digs in against ‘EU army’ http://www.politico.eu/article/britain-digs-in-against-eu-army-u-k-defense-minister-michael-fallon/

In Facts, 07.10.16: [Comment]: An EU military headquarters is no threat to NATO https://infacts.org/eu-military-headquarters-no-threat-nato/

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