Brussels, 09/07/2009 (Agence Europe) - Karl von Wogau MEP (CDU) is leaving the European Parliament after thirty years, in order to concentrate more on defence and security questions, which he considers as the new and important project emerging in the European Union. Presenting the defence and security subcommittee's record on Thursday 9 July, which he has chaired over the last five years, the EPP-ED MEP from Germany and president of the Kangaroo group called for a broad public debate on security and defence questions in Europe. He insisted that “people must be aware” of what it is about and highlighted current issues (proliferation, reduction of nuclear weapons etc.) and the 23 missions (civil and military) by the EU.
While calling for the elaboration a White Paper on defence and security in Europe (EUROPE 9824), Mr von Wogau also called for “parliamentary control” of ESDP and explained that, “if we have to have a European army one day, it should be an army under parliamentary control”. He also underlined the need for better coordination of defence spending and improved coordination with NATO (particularly at a parliamentary assembly level). Global Approach. In addition to its military aspect, ESDP should also “prevent crises” and help to stabilise and assist weak countries. This should, therefore, include the construction of infrastructure, teaching, and the sending of magistrates and police, as well as the development of more civil crisis management capacity. Equipment and chains of command. Von Wogau pointed out that missions become more dangerous when the chains of command or equipment work badly. During EU mission visits, commission members identified a lack of basic resources, such as satellite intelligence. In the same way, the EU should develop logistic capability, transport means for airlift in theatre, and strategic transport (large carriers such as the A400M which is still in the development stage). Better spending. The United States spends $500 billion on defence while the EU, as a whole, spends €200 billion, he said. “The result is that the EU spends not only less than half of what the United States spends” but it also develops technologies “27 times instead of just once”, he stressed. Research on security. “This is absolutely necessary”, Mr von Wogau said, taking a stance in favour of funding research from the EU budget for projects relating to the “protection of external borders” and “critical infrastructure”. When asked about the possibility of convincing member states to set a real common defence policy in place, Mr von Wogau expressed optimism. He said “our main allies are European citizens” (70% of whom want security) and “the empty pockets of member states”. (A.By./transl.rh/jl)