EU Armaments

dublin | eu | news report Thursday September 01, 2005 11:41 by WMD watcher

Institute of European Affairs to host discussion on "The Future of EU Armaments Cooperation"

The Institute of European Affairs is hosting a discussion on the "Future of European Armaments Co-operation" at Europe House in Dublin on Thursday 8th September. The keynote speech will be given by Nick Witney, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency.

As you may have guessed from the cuddly "co-operation" in the title, this will not be a discussion on whether the further development of weapons of mass destruction in the EU is a good or bad thing. Rather, the emphasis is firmly on the wonderful business opportunities armaments production opens up for Irish companies.

The invitation reads "Mr. Witney's speech will encompass other key topics of relevance to Ireland's foreign, defence and business constituencies, such as defence procurement issues, the new opportunities for SMEs and the spin-offs from defence research and technology for the civilian sector".

Funny how the Institute of European Affairs in extolling the virtues of the EU to the general public at times when we are called to vote on treaties doesn't mention armaments or still less business opportunities linked with arms production.

(ps the discussion is by invitation only and not open to the public).