This year's European Union (EU) State of the Union Address, delivered by European Commission (EC) President Jean-Claude Juncker, focused on issues concerning a "permanent" military structure for the union and the impact of Brexit on the UK's single market access.
In a BBC report, Juncker said that the EU keeps on wasting money on missions in the absence of a common military force. He said that there is a need for the bloc to establish a common military headquarters in order to realize that vision.
The Commission President went on to urge the UK to start and facilitate negotiations for Brexit in the soonest time possible. He gave the reassurance that the EU isn't at risk of falling out following the country's decision to leave the union.
The EU's push for a common military force strengthened with the Brexit vote, since the UK has long contended that a greater defense cooperation within the bloc conflicts with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO's) role. Juncker defended that such a move "should be in complement to NATO."
Juncker, in further defending the plan, added that "more defense in Europe doesn't mean less transatlantic solidarity." To push for the common military's research and development efforts, a European Defense Fund will be established.
Civilian and military operations have been organized by the EU since 2003 under the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP). Six military operations are currently taking place, as per the BBC:
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: Implementation of the 1995 Dayton Agreement, which effectively stopped the Balkan Wars. EU forces replaced those of NATO in 2004
- Coast of Somalia: Anti-piracy Operation Atalanta, since 2008
- Mediterranean Sea: Anti-migrant trafficking Operation Sophia, since 2015
- Somalia, Mali, and the Central African Republic (CAR): EU-organized military training programs
As for the UK's sudden decision to leave the EU, Juncker noted that it's practically impossible for the country to gain single market access if it hinders free movement of people and goods. An "ala carte access to the single market" isn't possible once Brexit takes effect.
Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union David Davis admitted that it would be "very improbable" for the UK to have single market access following the country's decision to exit the EU. Prime Minister Theresa May, however, hit out at the remarks, saying that Davis has a poor understanding of Brexit.
