EU Permanent Structured Cooperation 2023-06-26
2023-06-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
The UK applied to join the PESCO military mobility project, aiming to shape EU military transport procedures and infrastructure. The application is under negotiation.
What recent progress has been made on UK participation in the EU permanent structured co-operation project? We have reached agreement on the majority of the text for an administrative arrangement but some technical terms are still being negotiated.
The UK applied to join the permanent structured co-operation military mobility project, negotiating an administrative arrangement and reaching agreement on most terms. The aim is to help shape EU military transport procedures and infrastructure, addressing impediments to moving military personnel and assets across Europe at pace.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Sir Richard Dearlove, former head of MI6, questioned the rationale behind the UK joining EU military cooperation projects and criticised the non-selective nature of these structures. The questioner seeks clarity on whether the Minister agrees with this assessment.
Does the Minister agree with Sir Richard's assessment that membership of European Union defence structures is not an à la carte menu where the UK can choose what it wants and reject what it does not?
Conspiracy is not as rife as thought; we can indeed choose which parts of the permanent structured co-operation to join, particularly mobility projects that coordinate infrastructure for NATO weapons and platform movements across Europe.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not fully address Sir Richard Dearlove's specific concerns about non-selective membership options.
Conspiracy Is Not As Rife
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The UK is considering joining only the military mobility element of PESCO. The questioner seeks information on whether the government plans to join any other elements among more than 60 available.
Are the Government considering joining any other elements of PESCO besides the military mobility aspect?
We will consider those elements on a case-by-case basis, only where it is in our national interest to work with the EU for NATO and our own benefit. We are not blindly joining out of habit but based on merit.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The Minister did not provide specifics on which elements beyond military mobility might be considered or any timeline for decision-making.
We Will Consider Those Elements On A Case-By-Case Basis
Response accuracy