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Half a century after the process of European integration started, the military component of the Union is becoming increasingly concrete. In the nineties the EU did not yet seem able to take action in its own back yard and took inadequate military measures in Bosnia (1993) and Kosovo (1999). In the meantime the EU has five military operations on its roll of honours: Macedonia, Bosnia and Darfur, plus two in the Congo.

Although there is as yet no real European army, the foundations for one have been laid. In the Kortenberglaan in Brussels, the EU has set up its own small operational headquarters, the Civilian-Military Cell, from which future military operations can be conducted. The EU also keeps a record of all the troops the member states can provide for EU operations. Moreover, the first European combat troops have been operational since the beginning of this year.

What does Europe's military future look like? And what is the relationship between the EU's military capacity and NATO and the UN? What influence does the European military industry have? A debate with ex-NATO Secretary General Willy Claes, European defence specialist Kees Homan, professor of political science Rik Coolsaet and armaments researcher Martin Broek. The moderator is Kristof Clerix, journalist at MO* magazine. 

In association with MO*
www.mo.be