§ 15. Sir Sydney Chapman (Chipping Barnet)If he will make a statement on the role that is envisaged for the European NATO non-European Union countries in the European security and defence policy. [24476]
§ The Secretary of State for Defence (Mr. Geoffrey Hoon)The European Union is committed to the fullest possible involvement of the non-EU European allies and the EU accession partners in the European security and defence policy. The Nice European Council agreed a detailed set of provisions governing consultation with those countries, and arrangements for their participation in EU-led operations.
§ Sir Sydney ChapmanThirteen of the 19 flashpoints involving terrorism have a bearing on Turkey. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that Turkey and the other NATO non-European Union countries feel frozen out of the European security and defence project? Will he always bear in mind the fact that, whereas NATO has been exclusively and successfully concerned with the defence and security of our continent, the ESDP is primarily concerned with giving a political identity to the European Union?
§ Mr. HoonI am sorry that the hon. Gentleman takes that view. Even if that ever was the case, it certainly is not today. Non-EU NATO allies are not being frozen out of the arrangements in any way; they are participating in a mutually supportive system that will allow a clear exchange of ideas and expertise, and will allow non-EU NATO allies to participate in EU-led operations where appropriate.
I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's description. There have been constructive, positive discussions, and great progress has been made. The precise terms of the arrangements and the relationship between EU and non-EU NATO allies have not yet been finalized, but I assure the hon. Gentleman that his description does not apply to the way in which the partnerships will develop.