IRELAND must join a common European defence system if it is to take part in the future shaping of the European Union, according to Mr Karl Lamers, one of the most senior advisers to the German Chancellor, Dr Helmut Kohl.
Mr Lamers, spokesman on European affairs for the Christian Democrats, said Ireland's refusal to play a full part in a European defence was a potent argument in favour of a two speed EU.
"Ireland has gained a lot from the EU and the EU has gained much from Ireland as an example of the positive use of community funding and the visible effects of solidarity. But you cannot expect to accept the solidarity of your neighbours without being prepared to return it.
"You cannot have an a la carte Europe where you simply pick out the raisins you like," he said.
Mr Lamers is the co author of two controversial CDU policy papers on Europe calling for the creation of a core group of EU states to forge ahead with deeper political integration and advocating qualified majority voting on foreign policy and security questions.
Although he occupies no ministerial position, he is regarded as one of the government's most influential European strategists.
Mr Lamers said he was certain that Ireland would qualify for membership of the European Monetary Union on the basis of the economic convergence criteria, but he insisted that failure to join a common defence system was a fundamental barrier to playing a full role in the EU.
"We must ask about the context of this neutrality today. Just what exactly is Ireland neutral about? I know that the traditional objection was to do with your relationship with Great Britain but that is no longer valid", he said.
Hinting that the conditions for EMU membership might be interpreted more liberally as the deadline for a single currency approaches, he suggested that "an arrangement would be found" to ensure that countries such as Spain and Italy remain in the vanguard of EU integration.
However, he insisted that the timetable for monetary union must be maintained, as any postponement would encourage instability in the financial markets.
Mr Lamers conceded that many Europeans were unenthusiastic about further political and economic integration but he maintained that his commitment to Europe owed less to idealism than to realism.
He defended Dr Kohl's frequent warnings about the possible consequences for European peace if Germany is not bound into an alliance with its neighbours. History showed that every time Germany sought hegemony in Europe, the consequences were disastrous.
"These ghosts from the past are real and we must be aware of them. I don't think we Germans have any more reason for self doubt than anyone else. But most other nations have no self doubt at all. The truth about us all is that we are anything other than angels", he said.
