[autom.vertaling] De Duitse plannen tonen aandrijving voor verenigd euro-Leger (en)

Germany is pushing for the creation of a fully-fledged Euro-army, according to plans obtained by the Conservative Party in Britain, writes the Telegraph. This revelation is likely to send ripples of concern through Britain, one of the more sceptical member states - over close military co-operation in Europe.

The memorandum, written by senior Germany army officials on the future of European defence, allegedly suggests that a European army should have joint structures that go beyond the ones already in place.

The document adds, "The army would report to the EU government and to the EU Parliament. Through a deployment law Parliament should decide if deploying troops is an option or not."

There are also suggestions that the EU's nuclear capabilities should also be "integrated within the European defence system". At present, Britain and France are the only EU countries with a nuclear deterrent.

The memorandum acknowledges the need to define the future relationship with NATO, saying that "a decision should be made about possible collaborations of the EU army with the UN, the Security Council or with NATO itself".

The Tories have wasted no time in using the document for political gain, saying that it conclusively shows the deceit of the current Labour government, who have for a long time insisted that there are no plans to create an EU military army.

At his monthly press conference on October 24, the Prime Minister continued to insist that his government would not support plans for an independent European defence headquarters and would oppose any defence plans threatening the supremacy of NATO. "We don't want duplication and we certainly don't want competition with NATO," he said.

The plans also have the backing of France and Belgium, according to the Telegraph.