EU needs stronger defense capabilities

PARIS (AP) —

France says Europe needs stronger defense capabilities, with more helicopters, transport aircraft and space-based surveillance.

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner says that over the next decade, the EU must become strong enough to run two long-term peacekeeping missions at the same time along with other, smaller missions.

Kouchner says Europe also needs to build its abilities to safeguard its sea lanes.
Kouchner was speaking Monday at a conference on strengthening ties between the 27-nation EU and NATO.

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