The meeting was historic in several respects. The EU leaders agreed on a on climate protection and reducing carbon dioxide emissions In addition, they expressed their will, by means of a number of concrete decisions, to give a new impetus to the European Security and Defence Policy in order to respond to the new security challenges, a press release from Council chair France reads.
With its compromise, the EU strengthens its position also as military power. In his speech, French President Nicolas Sarkozy highlighted the need for joint European military capabilities as addition to NATO.
“Co-operation with NATO is important, but we need our own defence policy together with our allies. The EU cannot remain a midget in defence and a giant economically. This is not possible,” French President Nicolas Sarkozy told a press conference after the last meeting of heads of state and government he chaired as EU president, EUobserver.com reports.
“For its operations and missions, the European Union uses, in an appropriate manner and in accordance with its procedures, the resources and capabilities of member states of the European Union and, if appropriate for its military operations, of NATO,” the summit’s conclusions read.
Read the Presidency conclusions here
