VP/HR — Implications of the NATO summit on EU security policy

10.9.2014

Question for written answer P-006797-14
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Jan Zahradil (ECR)

During last week’s NATO summit, the NATO member states agreed to create rapid response forces which would be able to come to the defence of any other member state within two days. These forces would be multinational and capable of dealing with new forms of asymmetric warfare, such as those currently being used in Ukraine. This is undoubtedly a positive development; however, questions remain over the position taken by the EU and its Member States on this decision.

1. What forms of EU‐NATO cooperation does the High Representative anticipate in thefuture?

2. Exactly what steps does she intend to take to bring about this cooperation? Does she agree that EU defence efforts should be centralised under the auspices of NATO, which iscapable, knowledgeable and experienced in this field?

3. Would it not be better for the EU to integrate its Battlegroups into the NATO rapid response forces so as to avoid the expensive and unnecessary duplication of military forces?