The German Marshall Fund of the United States
January 26, 2010
Following an agreement on a new NATO Strategic Concept, the EU needs to take compatible steps. A number of practical arrangements need to be put in place in such a way as to embrace all non-EU European allies. The renewed arrangements need a new and open mindset. The artificial distinction between participation in military and civilian operations for instance need to come to an end. Consultation mechanisms for non-EU Allies must be genuine. Obviously, the decision-making will lie with the EU. But its authority cannot be undermined by listening to other allies and trying to accommodating their concerns. This is particularly relevant if the ally in question is a candidate to the EU with a vision for shared security that has endured over 50 years.
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