Strength in numbers: Europe's foreign and defence policy

The countries of the European Union need to speak with a common voice on foreign policy. They share similar fundamental interests, which are sometimes distinct from those of the Americans. But there is no point in the Europeans trying to build their own defence organisation, as an alternative to NATO, because they need access to America's military resources and expertise. The array of institutions that is supposed to make Europe a safer place is both confusing and inadequate.