‘EU WANTS AN EMPIRE’ Brussels hope to expand its influence as far as ASIA and AFRICA
THE EU wants to expand its influence as far and wide as Asia and Africa – with critics fuming it shows Brussels are planning to form “its own empire”.
By TOM BATCHELOR
Express.co.uk
Fri, Jul 1, 2016
The latest EU foreign policy document, titled Global Strategy, calls for an extended reach into new spheres as distant as the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa.
It also outlined “gradual synchronisation and mutual adaptation” between different member states’ individual defence strategies.
Ukip’s defence spokesman Mike Hookem said: “The EU wants its own Empire as former Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso made clear when he was in charge.
“This global strategy by the EU is yet another reason why last Thursday’s result was a lucky escape for the UK.”
The latest plans, which reveal how the EU wants autonomy in defence and security matters, were outlined by foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini.
The Brussels document said: “European security and defence efforts should enable the EU to act autonomously while also contributing to and undertaking action in co-operation with NATO.
“Member States need the technological and industrial means to acquire and sustain those capabilities which underpin their ability to act autonomously.”
It added: “Gradual synchronisation and mutual adaption of national defence planning cycles and capability development practice can enhance strategic convergence between Member States.”
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