Number: RL34051
Title: Long-Range Ballistic Missile Defense in Europe
Authors: Steven A. Hildreth and Carl Ek, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: The prospect of a GMD capability based in Europe raises a number of significant international security and foreign policy questions. Central to the debate for many is how the proposed U.S. system might affect U.S.-European-Russian relations. For FY2008, Congress eliminated funding to start construction of the European site pending final approval of international agreements with Poland and the Czech Republic and an independent study of alternative missile defense options for Europe.2 Congress largely supported the Administration's request for FY2009, but restricted funding for site construction until after the Polish and Czech Parliaments ratify the agreements reached with the Bush Administration. Congress continued to withhold funding for deployment of the ground-based interceptor missiles until after the Secretary of Defense certifies to Congress that those interceptor missiles will work effectively.
Pages: 20
Date: December 8, 2008