Blair forges closer ties with Europe

Saturday, 29 November 2003 5:49 AM

Prime Minister Tony Blair has struck a deal with France and Germany on improved defence co-operation in the European Union.

The controversial plan, which is likely to worry defence chiefs in Washington, allows for European military operations to be undertaken outside of Nato.

The agreement will also create an autonomous EU military headquarters in Brussels.

Mr Blair pledged that defence decisions would remain subject to national veto. The EU's military planning and operational capacity would be deployed if Nato were not involved in a crisis. But Nato will retain "first refusal" to get involved.

The leaked compromise was reported by Le Monde.

It came as EU foreign ministers began talks on Friday in Naples about the proposals and ahead of next month's summit in Brussels where the new constitution will be finalised.

Over the weekend, ministers will negotiate the future size of the European Commission as well as voting mechanisms.

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