German Minister Backs European 'Defense Union'

Germany's defense minister called for a European "defense union" on Thursday during a visit to the Baltic state of Lithuania."It's time to move forward to a European defense union, which is basically a 'Schengen of defense',", Ursula von der Leyen told reporters in the Lithuanian capital Vilnius. 

"When we have threats that are surrounding us, we all know no country by its own will be able to manage that. But we together, we Europeans, we are very strong if we improve our capabilities as Europeans," von der Leyen said.

The German-led battle group in Lithuania will operate air defenses when it is deployed early next year, she added. "There will be a comprehensive air defense", she said. "We are very glad that we find many European friends who want to join, like the Dutch or the French, for example," she said.  

Source:  QNA