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Rapid reaction units proposed

01 January 2004

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Britain, France and Germany have laid out plans for a string of EU rapid reaction units for combat in difficult terrain, accelerating the drive for European defence co-operation. The new units are designed to be around 1,500 strong, the size of a battle group, and ready for action at 15 days' notice as of 2007. They should be able to stay in the field for 30 days, although that timescale could be extended to a maximum of four months. According to reports in the German press several battle groups of 1,500 strong each are planned. The units will include strategic airlift, artillery, communications and engineering support. The UK and France would also mount joint training for operations in tough environments, such as jungles, mountains or deserts, and put more effort into insuring that equipment and structures are compatible. According to The Independent the initiative underlines the importance attached by the EU's two biggest military powers to boosting joint military capabilities. It also illustrates the importance of the alliance between London, Paris and Berlin, that has prompted fears among smaller EU countries that they are destined to be dominated by a new triumvirate. The initiative will be discussed by EU defence ministers in April and if approved formally agreed by a joint meeting of EU foreign and defence ministers in May.

Independent 11.2.04 (Stephen Castle); Reuters.de 10.2.04; euobserver.com 11.2.04 (Honor Mahony)

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