VP/HR — NATO

8.6.2017

Question for written answer E-003824-17
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Jérôme Lavrilleux (PPE)

NATO is a predominant military alliance in Europe, owing to the fact that the majority of countries in the EU are members. NATO is an especially useful and effective organisation, as it smooths the way for strengthened interoperability between its member states and encourages them to make considerable joint investments in defence.

However, NATO’s role and its ability to promote a harmonised defence policy at EU and global level are sometimes called into question, for example by the heads of some of its very influential member states, such as the United States. The positions of certain states, such as Turkey, for example, lack clarity.

What action will the Commission take with regard to a potential rapprochement between NATO and the Common Security and Defence Policy, which could be a major asset in the area of defence, at both EU and global level?