Britain Calls For More Cooperation Between Europe & NATO

The Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon has called for better ties between Europe and NATO amid fears that an EU military structure could rival NATO.

“We are urging the European Union to cooperate more closely with NATO to avoid unnecessary duplication and structures. And to work together on new threats, including the need to strengthen cyber security." 

Sir Michael Fallon's remarks came ahead of a meeting of EU defence and foreign ministers in Brussels.

The EU wants to develop a stronger defence capability and has approved the creation of a new headquarters for military training operations.

Federica Mogherini, the EU foreign policy chief said the creation of an EU military HQ is specifically intended not to undermine NATO’s role.

Defence ministers approved a military headquarters to oversee training in North Africa. 

The first job for the new Military Planning and Conduct Capability Office will be the training missions in Mali, Somalia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

France and Germany have pressed the EU to do more to ensure its own defence and counter the threat of terrorism.

Britain has long opposed anything that resembled a European military command.