Britain blocks permanent EU military HQ, worried about weakening NATO

BRUSSELS – Britain says it will block plans to establish a permanent European Union military headquarters because it would weaken the NATO alliance.

Foreign Secretary William Hague said on Monday the proposal to establish the headquarters was “a red line” for London. He said it would permanently disassociate EU planning from NATO planning.

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Over the past 15 years, the EU has deployed military and civilian missions to about a dozen conflicts, mostly in Africa and Asia. It has also approved sending a military contingent to Libya if the UN asks for it.

The move to establish a permanent headquarters is supported by most EU states, but opposed by London because it would weaken NATO and jeopardize military links with the United States.