EU signs defence pact in decades long quest

Ministers from 23 member states have signed up to the program, known as permanent structured cooperation (PESCO). The pact allows EU member states to work more closely together in the area of security and defence. Specifically, those member states will be able to jointly develop defence capabilities, invest in shared projects, or enhance the operational readiness and contribution of their armed forces. The member countries have to regularly increase defence budgets in real terms in order to reach agreed objectives.