Macron proposes creation of EU military intervention force

Paris Sep 27 (IANS) The President of France on Tuesday proposed the creation of a European force to be used for military interventions which would be ready to act by the start of next decade.

In a speech in which he outlined his vision for the European Union Emmanuel Macron said that this would help form the base for close defense and security cooperation among the bloc s member states.

"By the start of the next decade Europe must be provided with a common intervention force a common defense project and a common doctrine with which to act " Efe quoted Macron as saying.

In the face of the international terror threat Macron insisted that the EU needed an intelligence academy a counter-terror prosecutor s office and a common defense fund.

He also championed the formation of a European civil protection force that would be activated for natural disasters such as wildfires hurricanes or earthquakes.

"I want that a European office for asylum requests be created to accelerate and harmonize proceedings " he said adding that a European border police force should be progressively set in place alongside a vast programme to aid refugees integration.

--IANS
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