This follow-up report by Seneca III provides a more detailed analysis of the PESCO process described in his essay from last Sunday.

Update on PESCO et al. — What it Really Means

by Seneca III

Foreword

This article is not an article in the normal sense of the word but a reference source for anyone trying to understand how the New World Order tyranny can be and is being incrementally imposed upon once free peoples. I have only briefly commented so that readers may draw their own conclusions, but I have highlighted and, in a couple of cases italicized, some of the key points and the core mechanisms, and how they will affect the UK. Continental European readers should be able to extrapolate from those highlighted segments just how these mechanisms will impact them.

Part I: EU Military Unification Timeline: 1984-2017

Military Unification has been on the European Union’s policy agenda for decades. In the past twelve months, the pressure to complete the task has accelerated the process, particularly since the Bratislava Summit of September 2016.

There the 27 leaders of the EU decided to “give a new impetus” to European external security and defence.

They set as a target the December 2016 European Council to formalise an implementation plan.

To quote one commentator, “European Union Defence plans are associated with the eventual formation of a European Federal State. Under the current system of unaccountable governance, this means they will be run by an unelected oligarchy. A nation state that contracts out its defence has ceased to be.”

25th-26th June 1984

Tory high command forces acquiescence in EEC plans for military union.

European Commission President Jacques Delors tells a summit of European Economic Community heads of government at Fontainebleau that the first and foremost of his three big ideas for relaunching European political integration is “military union” (une défense commune), the others being currency union and the abolition of member states’ vetoes. Mrs Thatcher refuses all three ideas in private at the summit with “No! No! No!” but is forbidden by her party bosses from even mentioning the phrase, or the military union proposal, until she defiantly uses the phrase (without its military context) in her last month as Prime Minister.

9th-10th December 1991

The foundations are laid for a Common Foreign and Security Policy.

The European Council in Maastricht lays the foundations for a political Union with the creation of a Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the beginnings of a common defence policy (ESDP/CSDP, a major component of the CFSP), as the second pillar of the Treaty of Maastricht.

The text is signed in February 1992 and comes into force in November 1993.

4th December 1998

Chirac signs Blair up for a Franco-British core of EU military union.

British Prime Minister Tony Blair and French President Jacques Chirac sign the Saint-Malo Declaration to make the Franco-British axis the motor of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. Twenty EU military interventions have since been launched under the CSDP. As Chirac and Blair foresee a military future increasingly independent of the USA, Canada and NATO, the 1998 Saint-Malo Declaration marks the victory of French doctrine (housing Europe’s autonomous military capacity within the EU) over the doctrine of the UK and several other EU member states (maintaining Europe’s autonomous military capacity within the Western European Union, a since-defunct military alliance unrelated to the EU).

3rd-4th June 1999

Launch of the European Security and Defence Policy.

At the European Council in Cologne, the EU 15 decide to reinforce the Common Foreign and Security Policy.

16th December 2002

Signature of Berlin Plus.

The ‘Berlin Plus’ arrangement is signed, allowing the use of NATO structures, mechanisms and assets to carry out ESDP missions.

12th-13th December 2003

European Security Strategy adopted.

The summit in Brussels adopts a European Security Strategy. The aim of the document is to achieve a secure Europe in a better world, to identify the threats facing the EU, to define its strategic objectives and to set out the political implications for Europe.

12th July 2004

Creation of the European Defence Agency.

The European Defence Agency is established to support the member states and the European Council to improve European defence capabilities in the field of crisis management and to sustain ESDP.

1st January 2007

EU Battlegroups reach full operational capacity.

Eighteen battlegroups under direct control of the Council of the European Union reach full operational capacity. Battlegroups consist of a battalion-sized force (1,500 troops), plus support personnel. Two are ready for deployment at all times.

20th February 2009

Creation of Synchronised Armed Forces Europe (SAFE).

The European Parliament votes in favour of the creation of SAFE as a first step towards a true European military force.

15th October 2009

First Franco-British Council Roundtable.

Quentin Davies MP, Minister for Defence Equipment, attends the first Franco British Council Roundtable on integrating British and French military.

1st December 2009

The Treaty of Lisbon comes into force. The CSDP succeeds the ESDP

The Treaty of Lisbon, signed in 2007, enters into force, renaming ESDP as Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). It provides for the creation of the European External Action Service. Commission delegations in countries outside the EU become EU delegations.

9th March 2010

Second Franco-British Council Roundtable.

The Franco-British Council (FBC) and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) host the second Franco-British Council Roundtable on bilateral defence “cooperation” at the French Embassy in London.

Secondly, ahead of the May 2010 General Election, they feel it important to “resume discussions before the formation of a new government and a reassessment of British strategic priorities”.

6th October 2010

Third Franco-British Council Roundtable.

The Franco-British Council (FBC) and the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) host the third Franco-British Council Roundtable on bilateral defence “cooperation” at the residence of the British Ambassador in Paris.

Speakers include Gisela Stuart MP, Contre Amiral Pascal Ausser, Edward Leigh MP, Amiral Alain Coldefy, Francoise Hostalier, depute, Kevin Taylor of BAE Systems and Vice Admiral Paul Lambert.

The event was sponsored by BAE Systems.

2nd November 2010

Lancaster House Treaties — A Fifty-Year Defence Pact Between Britain and France.

British Prime Minister David Cameron and French President Nicolas Sarkozy sign two defence treaties at 10 Downing Street.

The announcement was made by the two leaders following a summit meeting held at Lancaster House. No debate is held in Parliament.

20th December 2013

Priority actions for defence set out.

For the first time since the Lisbon Treaty entered into force, the European Council discusses defence and identifies priority actions for stronger cooperation: increasing the effectiveness, visibility and impact of Common Security and Defence Policy enhancing the development of capabilities.

Strengthening Europe’s defence industry.

8th March 2015

Jean-Claude Juncker calls for an “EU Army”.

Jean-Claude Juncker, President of the European Commission, calls for an “EU Army”.

“You would not create a European army to use it immediately,” Juncker told the Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

“But a common army among the Europeans would convey to Russia that we are serious about defending the values of the European Union.”

Juncker made many similar statements throughout 2015, and made it clear to David Cameron that military union would be a condition of any “new settlement” between Britain and the EU.^[1]

15th June 2015

European Political Strategy Centre publishes White Paper on military unification.

Jean-Claude Juncker’s defence advisor Michel Barnier issues a white paper through the European Political Strategy Centre, the EU’s in-house think tank, calling for military union.

Europe needs to move from the current patchwork of bilateral and multilateral military cooperation to gradually increased defence integration. The Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), provided for in the Lisbon Treaty, could become a game changer in European security by enabling willing member states to move forward.

4th February 2016

Germany and the Netherlands step up their military cooperation.

Minister Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert and her German colleague Ursula von der Leyen sign two agreements on far-reaching cooperation measures. The signing takes place on board the Karel Doorman, which is moored in Amsterdam’s harbour.

Included in the agreement are the integration of the German Naval Force Protection Battalion (Seebataillon) into the Royal Netherlands Navy, the integration of the 43rd Mechanized Brigade into the German 1st Armoured Division, and agreements on joint air defence.

28th June 2016

Presentation of the European Union global strategy.

High Representative Federica Mogherini presents the EU global strategy on foreign and security policy to EU leaders, meeting in Brussels at the EU summit.

The High Representative was mandated to prepare the new strategy by the European Council in June 2015. The strategy, under the title ‘Shared vision, common action: a stronger Europe’ reflects the collective views expressed in the process and offers a strategic vision for the EU’s global role. In these challenging times, both for Europe and globally, the strategy highlights common ground and presents a way forward.

8th July 2016

Signing of the EU-NATO joint declaration.

At the NATO summit in Warsaw, the President of the European Council, the President of the European Commission and the NATO Secretary-General sign a joint declaration on EU-NATO cooperation.

The declaration aims to further strengthen EU-NATO cooperation at a time of unprecedented security challenges from the East and the South.

16th September 2016

Informal meeting of the 27 heads of state or government in Bratislava.

The heads of state or government of the 27 meet in Bratislava to begin a political reflection on further development of an EU with 27 member countries.

Leaders agree on the Bratislava Declaration and Roadmap, in which they state an intention to decide on a concrete implementation plan on security and defence and on how to make better use of the options in the Treaties at the European Council meeting in December.

They also agree to start implementing the joint declaration with NATO immediately.

14th November 2016

Implementation plan on security and defence.

EU foreign and defence ministers discuss the implementation plan on security and defence under the EU global strategy. They set out the level of ambition and the way forward on the future development of EU security and defence policy.

30th November 2016

European Defence Action Plan presented by the European Commission.

European Defence Fund and other actions aim to support member states’ more efficient spending in joint defence capabilities, strengthen European citizens’ security and foster a competitive and innovative industrial base.

6th December 2016

Common set of proposals to implement the EU-NATO joint declaration.

The Council adopts conclusions on the implementation of the EU-NATO Joint Declaration, endorsing 40 proposals in the seven areas. These proposals are endorsed on the same day by the North Atlantic Council.

15th December 2016

European Council stresses the need to strengthen Europe’s security and defence.

The European Council reaffirms its commitment to the European Union Internal Security Strategy 2015-2020. It addresses the strengthening of EU cooperation on external security and defence and focuses on:

The EU Global Strategy in the area of security and defence.

The European Defence Action Plan.

Implementation of the common set of proposals which follow up on the EU-NATO Joint Declaration signed in Warsaw in July 2016.

HRVP/Head of the EDA proposals on the scope, modalities and content of a Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD).

6th March 2017

Council reviews progress and agrees to improve support for military missions.

The Council adopted conclusions setting out the progress achieved in implementing the EU global strategy in the area of security and defence.

The Council also approved a concept note on the operational planning and conduct capabilities for CSDP missions and operations. One of the measures foreseen is the establishment of a military planning and conduct capability (MPCC) for the planning and conduct of non-executive military missions.^[2]

20th March 2017

Britain announces bilateral “defence pact” with Germany.

Theresa May announces that Britain and Germany will form a defence pact immediately following formal invocation of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty.

The Ministry of Defence says it is working with Germany “on a joint vision statement on future co-operation”.

22nd June 2017

European Council calls for the launch of a permanent structured cooperation.

At the June European Council, EU leaders agree on the need to launch an inclusive and ambitious permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) to strengthen Europe’s security and defence.

Within three months, member states will agree a common list of criteria and commitments, together with concrete capability projects, in order to start this cooperation.

“It is a historic step, because such cooperation will allow the EU to move towards deeper integration in defence. Our aim is for it to be ambitious and inclusive, so every EU country is invited to join,” says Donald Tusk at the European Council press conference.

12th September 2017

UK Government publishes “Foreign policy, defence and development” Brexit White Paper.

Despite “Brexit”, the U.K. will continue its contribution to CSDP missions and operations if it can participate in both the mandate development and detailed operational planning stages of the process (PESCO).

12th October 2017

Boris Johnson and Michael Fallon meet Polish counterparts to progress Defence and Security Cooperation Treaty.

Defence Secretary Michael Fallon and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson meet their Polish counterparts to discuss security and defence cooperation.

Fallon and Polish Defence Minister Macierewicz discuss increasing military ties and co-operation, including working towards a “Defence Capability and Industrial Partnership” to strengthen cooperation between the UK and Polish defence industries.

They also discuss the Defence and Security Cooperation Treaty, which the Prime Minister will sign at the next UK-Poland Inter-Governmental meeting in December.^[3]

15th October 2017

Boris Johnson meets Foreign Ministers at Chevening House.

Boris Johnson is joined by the foreign ministers of Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia at Chevening House to discuss “shared challenges” and the UK’s “continued commitment” to EU security and defence.

19th-20th October 2017

European Council Discuss PESCO.

Heads of state or government resume discussions on the permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) on defence at the European Council meeting, attended by Theresa May.

26th October 2017

Dutch Officer commands German Panzer Battalion for first time.

A Dutch officer becomes commander of the German Army’s Panzerbataillon (Tank Battalion) 414 for the first time. The Bundeswehr describes his command as “historic” and the Dutch Ministry of Defence says it is “a next step” in the integration of the Dutch Army’s 43 Mechanised Brigade into the German 1st Panzer Division.

[Source: operationbeacon.com/]

Comments:

1.		Blackmail, of course.
2.		What the hell are “non-executive military missions”?
3.		A foregone conclusion, then!

Part II — The Process

There are five main areas which the EU has been pursuing in order to establish what it calls an ‘EU Defence Union’ across the 28 countries, including Britain.

1.		Procurement policy and incentives.
2.		Finance.
3.		Intelligence, Battlegroups and PESCO.
4.		UK defeat over HQ.
5.		Contradictory statements over UK involvement.

So far since ‘Brexit’, the (un)establishment has agreed with the EU to:

1.

• More power for the EU to enforce EU-wide tendering in defence contracts;
• An expanding remit for the EU over defence industrial strategy and joint-built assets;
• An expanding remit for the EU in purchasing and conduct of joint-owned assets;
• Incentives for UK defence companies to engage long-term with the developing EU-wide industrial strategy.

2.

• The creation of the EU’s first central military budget, the European Defence Fund;
• The use of European Investment Bank money (16% UK shareholding) for the European Defence Fund;
• The creation of a Cooperative Financial Mechanism (CFM) to augment the European Defence Agency;
• The creation of a Coordinated Annual Review of Defence (CARD), a mechanism that sees the EU offer financial incentives for adherence to EU planning over member state defence budgets.^[4]

3.

• An increased size, scope and infrastructure of the EU’s military intelligence agency as a central ‘hub’;
• Participation in a 2019 EU Battlegroup under EU Council control. Approval given pre-referendum. No confirmation from MOD about whether it is cancelled or continuing;
• Drop objections to Permanent Structured Cooperation (first version of permanent military unification) by willing member states. MOD will not confirm whether the UK is staying out or not.

4.

• The reordering of EU agencies to include ‘permanent planning’ of EU defence missions and a ‘coordinated military command chain’;
• The creation of a permanent military HQ with staff responsible for strategy and operations. It was kept as a non-executive function of the EU, but executive power over EU military developments rests with the EU Council and EU Commission;
• Drop its objections to the wordings that describe the new HQ (May 2017) because previous approval in March 2017 had made later objections invalid.

5.

• Participate in measures that apply to UK defence without the approval of Parliament, nor even a debate;
• Participate in developing plans until at least March 2019, possibly March 2022 or even longer;
• Provide the EU with several new powers over UK defence and a new bargaining chip for the EU;
• Accept measures that mean a more complicated and time-consuming withdrawal process that the UK didn’t face before the first of the EU Defence Union agreements in November 2016;
• Provisional statements on PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation) while keeping open the prospect of UK participation in PESCO and the EU Council-controlled EU Battlegroups in 2019.

[Source: denouncethedeception.co.uk/poll-agree-eu-military-unification-british-armed-forces]

Comment:

4.

There can be little doubt that UK compliance or otherwise with PESCO and all that is intended to follow it is a club that Juncker, Tusk, Verhofstadt and all of the other unelected Brussels apparatchiks are using to beat us into submitting to their draconian financial demands — the so called ‘Divorce Bill’. Follow the money!

Part III — An Overview (excerpt)

Quietly, without most people noticing, the European Commission is moving ahead with a strategy that will arguably make the EU into the first fully operational model of a centralised ‘one state’ supranational authority: ‘A New World Order’; the longstanding neoconservative ambition which lies at the heart of global secret society agendas and US geopolitical hegemony.

The key ingredient of this strategy is the establishment of an ‘EU Treasury’ which, according to Donald Tusk, President of the EU Council, will come into effect in June 2018, under the official title: European Monetary Fund. This will result in the single point control of all EU member state finances.

The plan will involve a further leveraging of the power of the major banks, to consolidate their controlling influence over EU affairs. By combining an ‘EU Treasury’ and a consolidation of banking power, a major step will be taken in the ‘amalgamation of everything’ heist; to be brought under the single umbrella of a Totalitarian Super State. We are talking about individual country’s monetary policies; the military; police forces and intelligence services all being run from a central control unit in Brussels. These will be followed by more of the same — covering almost all areas of administrative control, that were once the domain of individual countries.

The institution at the forefront of this power grab is the Bank for International Settlements, based in Basel, Switzerland, which has global outreach and acts as a funnel for the acquisition and distribution of vast sums of globally fluid international money.

[Source: www.sott.net/article/367523-Europe-Totalitarianism-now-on-its-doorstep]

Afterword. Be afraid, be very afraid. The British Government may, at the end of this month, commit the most heinous act of High Treason since the corrupt Rump Parliament, formed in 1648 to replace the purged Long Parliament, was consequently dismissed by Oliver Cromwell on the 20th April 1653.

— Seneca III, in what is left of Middle England, this 15th day of November 2017.

For links to previous essays by Seneca III, see the Seneca III Archives.