BRUSSELS, April 13 (UPI) -- All of Europe could benefit from U.S. plans to place anti-missile systems in Poland and the Czech Republic, Germany's defense minister said in Brussels.
Franz Josef Jung told members of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee that the missile shield could protect all of Europe.
"The threats have changed. We are facing threats related to international terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, proliferation and crisis and conflict situations. We have to react to that," he said, The EU Observer reported.
Some countries have criticized the plan, saying it would increase tensions with Russia, which opposes it.
But Jung said he is confident an agreement can be reached with the Kremlin over the missile defense system.
The German defense minister also told members of the European Parliament that Europe needs a common army.
"In the long run we will strive for a European army which shall also support the European security and defense policy," he said.
