§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the increased defence burden and resulting financial costs placed on(a) Poland, (b) Hungary and (c) the Czech republic as a result of NATO membership. [14003]
§ Dr. ReidBy joining an alliance whose essential purpose is to safeguard the freedom and security of all its members by collective means, Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic will lighten their defence burden, as no single Ally is forced to rely on its own national efforts alone in dealing with basic security challenges.
The costs of enlargement to the three invited countries will fall into two categories: the development of their ability to operate alongside other NATO countries on the full range of Alliance missions; and their contribution to NATO common-funded budgets.
The countries concerned were, in any case, intending to modernise and restructure their Armed Forces. Their contribution to NATO common-funded budgets is being discussed.
§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will make a statement on the costs of NATO expansion for Britain. [14004]
§ Dr. ReidNATO staff are currently studying the military and financial implications of enlargement, and a report will be made to NATO Ministers in December.
NATO Heads of State and Government stated in the Madrid Declaration:
We are confident that, in line with the security environment of the Europe of today, Alliance costs associated with the integration of new members will be manageable and that the resources necessary to meet those costs will be provided.That remains our assessment. If additional spending is required, Britain will pay its share.