With regard to the systematically occulted choice between European dependence or independence, in the texts, all seems utterly clear. At the time of the launching of ESDP (European Security and Defence Policy), in June 1999 in Cologne, the declaration of the Fifteen stipulated from the start the requirement of autonomy and credibility for the Union’s new field of activity. What fits perfectly into the objectives declared in Article 11 of the Treaty on the European Union, notably "safeguard the common values, fundamental interests, independence and integrity" of the EU. However, not only are we still waiting to see when these fine words will be translated into acts, but even the question of knowing whether they should be one day remains object of debate.

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