EU aims to be military superpower
Anthony Browne in Brussels
March 03, 2005

AMID a trans-Atlantic row over its determination to resume arms sales
to China, the European Union has outlined plans to become a military
superpower and close the defence technology gap on the US.

The EU would develop unmanned drones, new armoured vehicles and
advanced communication systems, the British head of the newly created
European Defence Agency said.

EDA chief executive Nick Witney said the 25-nation EU would establish
a joint fighter-pilot training program and co-ordinate the testing of
military equipment.

The initiatives represent the EU's first step in military research and
development.

They are aimed at transforming the EU from being a political power, in
charge of policies such as agriculture and trade, to a military one,
capable of sending troops around the world to enforce a foreign policy
agreed by its member states. 

The strategy is controversial. EU members such as Ireland and Sweden
fear their traditional neutrality is being threatened, while in
Britain there has been concern that the initiative will undermine NATO
and its close military relationship with the US.

Moves to turn Europe into a military superpower will also heighten
concerns in Washington over the EU's plans to lift a 15-year-old arms
embargo on China. US President George W.Bush and congressional leaders
from both parties presented a united front yesterday in opposition to
the plan for renewed arms sales.

The US Congress has warned it will consider retaliatory trade action
against European countries that start selling military technology to
China, a move Washington fears would threaten Taiwan and US troops in
the region. 

(snip)

Full article at "The Australian" ...
http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/common/
story_page/0,5744,12422216%255E31477,00.html

Cheers, Steve...

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