Naples, Nov 29: Britain, France and Germany have agreed plans to reinforce the European Union's military capabilities while taking care to allay American fears that their efforts could undermine Nato, officials said. The EU's big three sought support for the initiative from the bloc's other 12 nations at a foreign ministers' meeting called to fix a constitution for the Union as it prepares to take in 10 new members next year.
The agreement foresees a permanent EU military planning and command cell based at Nato's military headquarters near the southern Belgian city of Mons.
From there, EU military planners would, with the alliance's backing, draw on Nato assets, notably transport planes, satellite intelligence and the alliance's communications network, for peacekeeping missions.
The Europeans would also beef up a long-term, strategic planning unit at the EU head office in Brussels, Belgium, said diplomats who asked not to be named. That office could also plan independent European military operations similar to the French-led EU peacekeeping operation in the Congo this year.
The official said the plan was being put to EU members, the 10 nations about to join the block and to the United States and Canada.
Bureau Report