§ 7. Mr. Ian TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence what discussions have been held within Western European Union of defence relationships with countries applying to join the European Union.
§ Mr. RifkindAt their meeting in Luxembourg on 9 May, WEU Ministers expressed their willingness to strengthen contacts with the four acceding countries to the European Union. One of the four, Norway, is already an associate member of WEU and participates in its discussions.
§ Mr. TaylorGiven that the countries that join the European Union, including those in central Europe, have the right to join WEU and the mutual security guarantees, has my right hon. and learned Friend considered the security implications of which countries should be invited to join the EU?
§ Mr. RifkindThe countries of central and eastern Europe that have shown an interest in the European Union have already been admitted as associate partners to WEU, but I emphasise that that does not involve their participating in the security guarantees. That would be a much more fundamental reform, whether it would apply to WEU or to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation, and could only be part of a much more long-term consideration of their proper relationship with the countries of WEU.
§ Mr. HardyDoes the Secretary of State accept that many of the eastern European countries that have become associated with WEU now believe that they have received a form of security guarantee which, he will accept, western Europe in its present condition could not deliver? Does he accept that there has been some carelessness on the part of Ministers—not necessarily British alone—in accepting that arrangement without being able to provide any form of guarantee whatsoever?
§ Mr. RifkindThe hon. Gentleman is correct to say that there is no formal treaty guarantee. Having said that, of course we have an interest in the security and stability of all the new democracies of central and eastern Europe, including those that have become associate members of WEU. However, it is necessary to distinguish between a legitimate interest in their security and stability and formal treaty guarantees, which have not been provided.
§ Sir Donald ThompsonDoes my right hon. and learned Friend think that the European Parliament would be of any use to WEU?
§ Mr. RifkindIt is clear that WEU is to provide the basis of closer European co-operation, because it is crucial that any such co-operation is complementary to our obligations to the Atlantic alliance and does not in any way undermine them. Therefore, we do not envisage a role for the European Parliament in that area.