asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the statement made by the Belgian Prime Minister that the defence policy as well as the foreign relations and monetary policies are essential elements of further EC political integration; and whether he agrees with this statement.
Written Answers. - European Union Comments.
17.
Political co-operation between the EC member states at present is based on the Single European Act which came into effect only last year. The scope of European political co-operation as set out in the Single European Act provides that, as far as security is concerned, co-ordination of positions is confined to its political and economic aspects.
I am aware of the remarks of the Belgian Prime Minister to which the Deputy refers. The Prime Minister was expressing views about the possible eventual political unity of the EC member states. He also said that one could not foretell what final shape that unity would take. No useful purpose would be served by my commenting on the Belgian Prime Minister's views, other than by agreeing with him that it is not possible now to foretell which final shape this European Union will take.