European Security and Defence Identity Term Paper

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The European military policy is based on the activities taking place within military of United States i.e. merger-mania of U.S. defense firms.

But there are three other factors pushing the Europeans for taking concrete measures for pursuing the ESDI. The measures are must to overcome the delays and constraints the Union experiences. The first of the blockade is with reference to the defense spending of European countries. The new NATO Secretary-General estimated that, 'total military spending of European countries is around 60% of the U.S. total, and yields only 10% of the capabilities'. Secondly, European firms are becoming increasingly angry that the U.S. while procuring new weapons and equipment refuses to "buy European military products." Thirdly, European governments are not satisfied with U.S. restrictions 'on the transfer of technology even though the Europeans are investing money in the development of new U.S. built weapons such as the Joint Strike Fighter' (Military Journal: Monitor).

The development of an independent, strong and combined European military force able to act on its own is overdue. 'Demographically, Europeans are below the basic population replacement rate, and economics argue for combinations that surmount the old roadblocks created by nationalism and the heavy hand of the United States' (Jolyon Howorth, European Defense and the Changing Politics of the European Union). Presently the European countries are under no major threat of aggression or terrorist attacks; therefore 'Europe has the opportunity to find its own identity in a European security system that makes it an independent, worthy partner with the U.S. In future diplomatic and military endeavors. ESDI and NATO can happily co-exist. NATO will remain, but with a stronger Europe the call on North American resources will not be as frequent or as severe' (Jolyon Howorth, European Defense and the Changing Politics of the European Union).

Critics have highlighted another problem with reference to the adoption of ESDI is the issue of concern is the military engagements of Turkey and America, the problem with Turkey includes both ESDP and the existence of the EU. The possibility of finding political cum diplomatic agreement between Ankara and Athens is not practical, though EU hinted of adopting flexibility at Seville European Council in June 2002. 'Relations with the U.

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S.A. are at the very heart of the project and ongoing. Although growing numbers of Americans are disillusioned with ESDI, there remains a huge range of opinion within the U.S. about the project, including an important constituency which is favorably disposed' (Jolyon Howorth, European Defense and the Changing Politics of the European Union). The policy with reference to ESDI is likely to lose some supports with the circle of United States government; however European statesmen are much composed about this. 'Even collectively, they do not amount to a case against the development of ESDI, but rather constitute so many hurdles whose successful clearance will enormously strengthen it. Two more serious problems which are often cited as evidence that ESDI is unlikely to work are finances and leadership' (Military Journal: Monitor).

The major challenge experienced by European Union in moving beyond the consensus of joint military forces is, firstly to establish such new institutions that will allow the member states collectively to address issues of security and defense efficiently and expeditiously. Secondly, the European Union ought to establish large military capacity with new approaches towards budgeting and procurement. Thirdly, the union has to ensure that military progress is conducted with support of NATO; the union should avoid such happening that might push it to experience objections from NATO and from United States. These challenges are undoubtedly tedious, and needs to be handled diplomatically......

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