European defence cooperation is stepping up a gear

On Monday, the Foreign and Defense Ministers of most countries of the European Union signed a declaration of readiness to participate in the EU permanent structured cooperation (PESCO). This structure will be officially launched at the European Council Summit in December.

Bogdan Zdrojewsk MEP, positively assesses this initiative. "It is worth remembering that the work on PESCO, a mechanism of cooperation already contained in the Treaty of Lisbon, has lasted for over a year. The more such ventures, the greater the security of citizens" - he said. 

Launching of PESCO coincides with the work on the European Defense Industry Development Program (EDIDP) and the Coordinated Annual Review on Defense (CARD). MEP Zdrojewski is actively engaged in the work on this first initiative. "Finally, we have managed to break the reluctance of Member States to engage more fully in defense cooperation, especially in supporting research projects as well as developing defense products, facilitating logistics and common procedures. All that with support and in full complementarity with NATO" - he stressed.

Bogdan Zdrojewski reiteraited that PESCO aims to establish a common platform for regular information exchange and joint planning of the development of military capabilities at EU level. Abilities are to be developed in consultation with other PESCO participants so as to avoid duplication of efforts and waste of money. Increasing the effectiveness of defense and defense spending, and improving defense capabilities, are the main objectives of PESCO. "The real commitment of the Member States, which de facto control this structure, will be crucial. If the political will brings real cooperation, PESCO can prove to be a breakthrough in the history of mutual defense assistance in Europe" - he insisted.