Why in news?
- 25 ‘Europen Union’ nations signed the landmark PESCO pact to establish closer defence ties.
- The projects is seen as a major step towards establishing the ‘Eurpoean Defence Union’.
How is EU’s security apparatus evolving?
- Establishing a military headquarters for co-ordinating overseas European security operations was approved earlier this year.
- This was followed by the announcement for setting up a 5.5-billion euro European Defence Fund. ‘
- Currently, the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) has been signed.
- This seeks to tighten defence & improve coordination in the development of new military hardware among signatory countries.
- Notably, earlier efforts to deepen military links among EU members had failed for decades mainly due to Britain’s opposition.
- But Brexit and Russia’s annexation of Crimea has brought the limelight back to the need for a strong European security treaty.
What are the specifics of PESCO?
- Touted as EU’s most ambitious project, PESCO’s primary focus is slated to be defending Europe and complementing NATO.
- Membership - Participation in PESCO is voluntary and those opt out now can join later if all founding members approve of it.
- Currently, Britain, Denmark, Malta & Ireland are the only EU members who haven’t taken up the deal.
- PESCO has provisions for non-member non-EU countries to take part in specific missions but without a role in decision making.
- Commitments - A commitment to regularly increase defence budgets in real terms has be reached.
- Countries have pledged to provide ‘substantial support’ in the form of personnel, equipment, training & infrastructure for joint European military missions.
- Also, devoting 20% of defence spending to procurement and 2% on research and technology has been agreed upon.
- Significantly, PESCO will subject member countries to an annual review and failure to meet commitments could lead to termination of membership.
What are the expectations?
- Crisis Response Core & Cyber Rapid Response Teams are to be developed under German & Lithuanian leadership respectively.
- Harmonising weapons systems by developing new equipments such as tanks & submarine drones are expected to be taken up.
- PESCO may also lead to the creation of a European military hospital or logistics hub in future.
Source: Indian Express
