Originally posted by pym
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At least with Swordfish Ireland could point their big stick to a maritime capability set that would be the most capable in the Post Brexit EU and say in return to pressure from other capitals - what do you mean we are not doing enough - we are guarding your left flank here contributing to freedom of navigation across the Atlantic to North America, patrolling this now larger EEZ and SAR zone?
It maybe indeed be a cost neutral option to maintain neutrality because Juncker and Tusk will find a way a way to make you pay for it. Imagine a compulsory defence surcharge on all (Post Brexit) EU27 members based on the size and wealth of ones domestic economy. If Ireland makes up 2% of the EU Economy and they want 5.5B Euros p.a to fund PESCO each year then you'd be up for 110 million a year on a pro-rata basis. You'd might as well spend the money on ones own Defence Force rather than funding something you'd have no control over.
From a non irish citizens perspective, Ireland as a wealthy western liberal democracy that relies on interdependence in diplomacy, trade and security between other nations and EU partners, does have a responsibility towards the collective common good of those interests even if you are not entering into a formal defence relationship.
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