'No sovereignty threat' from EU defence plan

Plans to open up Europe’s defence industry to more competition will not affect national sovereignty, European Commissioner Charlie McCreevy insisted today.

Unveiling proposals to cut the industry’s red tape and boost cross-trade defence trade and cooperation, he said: “Introducing transparent and competitive procurement rules applicable throughout the Union is crucial for the establishment of a common defence market. This will lead to greater openness of defence markets between Member States to the benefit of all: armed forces, taxpayers and industries.”