Florence, May 7 (LaPresse) – “Last year we spent a great deal to begin building European defence. The only way to preserve NATO is to strengthen European defence, to build a real one. It is no longer a matter of an exchange with NATO, but a condition for preserving it. This is why last year we began identifying the priorities of our common capabilities and working to create financial confidence so that countries invest more in defence, because peace without defence is only an illusion.” This was stated by the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, speaking in Florence during the celebrations for the fiftieth anniversary of the European University Institute.