A rejection of the European constitution in the May 29 referendum in France would seriously hurt Europe's joint defense policy, French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said in an interview published Thursday.

A "no" vote "would put a brake on the development of Europe as a political power that is capable of making itself heard in the world and plays an important part in global peacekeeping and security," the minister told the Paris-based daily International Herald Tribune.

Apart from the European Union's (EU) rapid reaction forces, its joint paramilitary police force and a command center that are slowly being put together, the constitution will strengthen the bloc's defense integration by obliging members to rally to each others' help in case of terrorist attack or a natural disaster, she said.

The constitution will also pave the way for a joint procurement system with the aim of avoiding duplication in Europe's militaries and helping focus on research needs, she noted, adding that it would allow a defense core group in the EU, similar to the 12- country group sharing the euro.

The minister also insisted on the coexistence of NATO and European military structures that will complement each other in dealing with security challenges.

Alliot-Marie's made the remarks just days before the French referendum on the EU Constitution, which must be approved by all 25 EU members and aims at simplifying decision-making in the bloc following last year's expansion.

Source: Xinhua