Romano Prodi, the new President of the European Commission, recently called for the creation of a European army as the next logical step in quest of Europe's integration. He also designated the Commission as the government of Europe.

Signor Prodi spoke of Europe being marginalized unless it possessed its own defense rather than having to rely so heavily on the United States.

The British government was shocked by Mr Prodi's replies on a BBC interview program called On the Record. Reaction from No. 10 Downing Street was swift. A government spokesman stated that "NATO remains the cornerstone of our defence capability. We are not in favour of a European army."

Conservative Shadow Defense Secretary John Maples was even more pointed in his rejoinder: "This is yet another step towards a European state. The single currency, a single fiscal policy, a common foreign policy and joint armed force constitute a state."