Germany, France Push for Tighter EU Defense Amid U.S. Strain
- Policy paper circulated ahead of EU defense ministers call
- Proposals come after two nations proposed joint debt issuance
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France and Germany are pushing for the European Union to boost its joint defense capabilities, adding to signs that the pandemic-induced crisis could lead the bloc to deeper integration.
A policy paper circulated ahead of a defense ministers video conference on Tuesday calls for “fostering the EU’s capacity to act as a security provider.” The document, which is also backed by Italy, Spain and other nations, follows a Franco-German proposal on joint EU debt issuance, which will be debated by leaders on Friday and has already garnered the support of the overwhelming majority of the region’s governments.