European Union shows solidarity with France in submarine dispute

The European ministers of foreign affairs on Monday evening (20 September) expressed their support for France in the diplomatic dispute over the purchase of submarines. The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, said this after meeting the ministers ahead of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Earlier on Monday, the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, told the American television channel CNN that "one of our member states has been treated in an unacceptable manner".

The European Union foreign ministers discussed the new trilateral security pact AUKUS between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. As a result, the French government is missing out on a 56 billion euro deal to supply submarines to Australia, as was previously the intention. The Australians eventually opted, as part of AUKUS, for nuclear-powered American submarines. In response to the plans, France recalled its ambassadors from the United States and Australia.

According to Borrell, the decision on French submarines goes against the European Union's call for greater co-operation. "The current instability in the Indo-Pacific calls for more coordination between like-minded partners, and less confrontation," Borrell said.


source: commonspace.eu with agencies
photo: The Royal Australian Navy submarine HMAS Rankin. Getty Images.

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
High level U.S. talks with Europeans on ending the Russia-Ukraine war

High level U.S. talks with Europeans on ending the Russia-Ukraine war

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, is travelling to Paris for talks with European allies on U.S. efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. The State Department said Rubio and Witkoff would be in the French capital Thursday for the meetings. The officials will have “talks with European counterparts to advance President Trump’s goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed,” department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said in a statement on Wednesday.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
High level U.S. talks with Europeans on ending the Russia-Ukraine war

High level U.S. talks with Europeans on ending the Russia-Ukraine war

Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump’s special envoy, is travelling to Paris for talks with European allies on U.S. efforts to negotiate a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. The State Department said Rubio and Witkoff would be in the French capital Thursday for the meetings. The officials will have “talks with European counterparts to advance President Trump’s goal to end the Russia-Ukraine war and stop the bloodshed,” department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said in a statement on Wednesday.