Anti-missile system: No different levels of security in Europe

In the opinion of Karl von Wogau MEP, Chairman of the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Security and Defense, there must be no zones of different levels of security in the western hemisphere.

This was confirmed by a joint hearing with the Foreign Affairs Committee in the European Parliament in Brussels on the new missile defense system: "For me, the security of Washington DC and New York are important, but the protection of my hometown Freiburg as well as that of Paris, Berlin, Naples or Sofia is equally important. Thus there must not be any zones of different or gradual security in the European Union".

However, it is exactly this danger that cannot be excluded at present. This impression was underlined by today's expert hearing in the European Parliament. "The proposal for a US anti-missile system including Poland and the Czech Republic is still not defined clearly enough regarding its practical implementation and the consequences for the safety interests of important neighbouring states. I therefore urgently appeal to Poland and the Czech Republic to make no final decisions before NATO has come to a final agreement on this system after close consultation with Russia", said the Chairman.

Wogau continued that the European Union now has the duty to develop a strategic concept under the roof of NATO and in close consultation with the USA so that the future anti-missile system may not be considered as posing a threat to third countries. "The European Union has the competence and the necessary resources to take part in this system. But the concept pursued by the USA at present would lead to safety gaps at the edges of Europe. For the necessary improvements and consultations, however, we still need sufficient time. Therefore the current missile defense system may not be pushed through by force", von Wogau concluded.

(Translation from German original)

For further information:

Karl von Wogau MEP, Tel: +32-2-2847301
Knut Goelz , EPP-ED Press Service, Tel: +32-479-972144