More than half of the EU member states are expected to agree in a few days on an important treaty on joint efforts to protect. The Financial Times writes about this, reports UNN.

Germany and France attempted to convince countries to combine military logistics and responding to crises, while at the same time cooperating in the development of weapons such as a new generation tank.

Supporters see the so-called permanent structured cooperation in the field of defense (Pesco) as an opportunity to combat budgetary limitations in the field of defense.

It is reported that attempts to coordinate the initiative showed the tension between Paris and Berlin. France wants Pesco to be as ambitious as possible in terms of projects under the initiative, while Germany wants Pesco to be joined by the maximum number of countries.

The main objective of Pesco is to solve the compatibility problems that arise in connection with the use of various weapons systems in Europe. Pesco will also play in favor of countries trying to save money by pooling resources for projects such as the French-German initiative announced in July to build a new European fighter.

According to the statement of European diplomats, EU countries that want to sign Pesco, plan to officially announce their plans at a meeting of European foreign and defense ministers November 13. Paris and Berlin will also be joined by other major capitals, including Rome and Madrid, for the official launch of the project at the EU summit in December.

Officials said that two-thirds or more of the EU member states could join the initiative, although they warned that it was not accurate. "We are still at a very delicate stage of decision-making," said one diplomat.

Pesco is also seen as an umbrella for regional defense operations, similar to the existing cooperation between the Belgian and Dutch fleets.

Among other ideas that have been discussed are joint medical operations and the creation of a European crisis response force.

Supporters of Pesco insist that this initiative complements NATO's activities, which will retain the main role for the territorial defense of the continent.

They also say that this will demonstrate the cohesion and achievement of the EU's goal after the UK leaves the bloc. London made it clear that it intends to cooperate with the EU in defense after Brexit in March 2019. The issue is still the possible participation in Pesco of countries outside the EU, including such as Norway, added European diplomats.

Yulia Shramko Source: UNN.