NATO chiefs warn EU not to duplicate military resources

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (L) and Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Phillip Breedlove hold a joint news conference at the Supreme Headquarters Of Allied Powers in Europe (SHAPE) in Mons March 11, 2015. REUTERS/Olivier Hoslet/Pool

MONS, Belgium (Reuters) - The civilian and military heads of NATO cautioned the European Union on Wednesday against duplicating efforts following remarks by the president of the EU Commission suggesting the bloc should develop an "EU army" to deter Russia.

Jens Stoltenberg, the secretary general of the Western defence alliance, told a news conference he would welcome increased European investment in defence, but said duplication would be inefficient.