http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/657528/exploit-migrant-chaos-EXCUSE-EU-Army-Brexit
Plot to exploit migrant chaos as 'an EXCUSE' to rush through creation of EU Army
EUROPEAN ministers are plotting to use the chaotic influx of migrants across the continent to rush through the creation of an all-powerful EU ARMY.
By OLI SMITH
PUBLISHED: 18:08, Fri, Apr 1, 2016 | UPDATED: 18:25, Fri, Apr 1, 2016
Central and Eastern European countries are pushing controversial plans to bring about the stand-alone military which has long been a cherished goal of Brussels bureaucrats.
They are citing the continent's growing refugee crisis as the perfect excuse to execute the unprecedented military operation, which would comprise of a "civil-police-military mission" to kick out illegal immigrants.
But critics have dismissed the idea for a “bridging mission” using a joint military force along the EU border as "an excuse" to rush in an EU Army in through the back door. They added that once such a force is established, there is a possibility it would never be disbanded.
Austria and its Balkans neighbours are calling for the creation of an EU military force, which would be deployed to Europe's external borders to help kick out migrants.
They have proposed setting up a "bridging mission" that would help stretched EU border agency force Frontex process and deport migrants arriving in Greece from Turkey, to last for at least two months.
Austria’s defence minister Hans Peter Doskozil today warned the EU needed an auxiliary force to put an end to the growing crisis.
Mr Doskozil explained the EU troops would register asylum seekers in Greece or send them back because the EU's civilian border agency is working "too slow".
He added that the "civil-police-military mission should be deployed where necessary" to secure the EU's borders and deport illegal migrants.
Austria alongside EU members Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Croatia will now send a joint letter detailing the proposal to EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini ahead of a crunch meeting about the migrant crisis on April 19.
Last month Austria took the lead shutting down borders across the Balkans in a move that has left stranded migrants stuck in Greece.
Vienna fears new routes could now develop through Bulgaria or Albania, whilst Mediterranean crossings to Italy from Libya will resume in the spring and summer when waters are calmer.
If the plan is put into action it would be the first ever time that the EU has deployed its own forces within the 28-nation bloc.
The latest remarks adds to a growing number of voices calling for the EU to dispatch troops to Greece to combat the spiralling migrant crisis.
Received on Fri Apr 01 2016 - 13:48:06 EDT