A common defence policy has eluded the EU for years. However, when European Defence Ministers met this week they already took steps to make it a reality, though not all MEPs seem convinced. With most members being part of Nato some don't see the need.

EU on the march

Soldiers wearing EU colours   are deployed all over the world.

Three military operations are already   in action under the aegis of the EU,

most recently in Somalia helping train   the troops in security for the country.

However, the common   European defence policy,

set out in the Lisbon Treaty   is only at an embryonic stage.

The latest achievement is that   a large majority of countries believe,

it would be useful to have more frequent   and formal defence council meetings

under the watch of the   foreign affairs ministers.

Earlier in the week   the Council of Ministers for Defence

For the first time, the ministers adopted   several decisions on maritime security.

Normally these documents are adopted at   a joint session with foreign ministers.

A step towards a common   defence policy is not to everyone’s tastes.

An EU Defence policy   which competes with Nato

and has no real value-added,   and that’s what we’re seeing here,

afterall that’s what is fuelling   the ambition for an EU foreign policy

And we don’t see that   it’s contributing very much to our security.

Optimists hope to see a real European   Council of Ministers of Defence