‘Poor prospect’ for EU-NATO assets deal

Date: 23/05/02

SWEDEN'S defence minister has acknowledged there is little chance of a deal being reached in the near future to allow the EU use of NATO assets.

Björn von Sydow said Greece was under constant pressure from the 14 other member states to lift its objections to the proposal, which would let the new pool of EU forces take advantage of NATO's know-how and equipment. 'But for the time being there is no good prospect [of a deal],' he said.

Von Sydow pointed out that Athens had accepted the agreement reached at the Nice summit in December 2000, which gave the green light for resource-sharing between NATO and the Union. 'Surely a formula could be found within the Nice conclusions?' he added.

Athens has stalled on lifting its objections to the plan, which are primarily based on concerns that historical foe Turkey, a member of NATO though not the Union, will have a role in EU-led operations. Although talks are continuing, officials believe it will be impossible for the EU to fulfil its goal of taking over from the NATO-led force in Macedonia without a breakthrough.

Greek premier Costas Simitis last week said his government 'does not accept regulations in the defence of the EU that would be contrary to its autonomy and its principles.' He described the so-called Ankara document, a proposal on granting Turkey the right to involvement in the EU force, as 'one-sided'.

Sweden's defence minister has acknowledged there is little chance of a deal being reached in the near future to allow the EU use of NATO assets.