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BRUSSELS, June 22-- European leaders agreed Thursday on the need for permanent defense cooperation and increased measures in the fight against terrorism. They made the decision on the first day of the two-day European Summit at the European Council, which was bringing together in Brussels the heads of state of the 27 European Union member states, as well as British Prime Minister Theresa May. In the context of what a Thursday European Council statement called "today's challenging geopolitical environment," and aiming to match the level of ambition set out in the EU Global Strategy plan, European heads of state agreed on the need to launch an "inclusive and ambitious Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO)" on defense. In his remarks after the decision, European Council President Donald Tusk said PESCO was a "historic step, because such cooperation will allow the EU to move towards deeper integration in defence." He noted that all EU member states will be invited to join, and that within three months, a "common list of criteria and commitments, together with concrete capability projects" will be drawn up to help implement the project. Leaders also agreed to make reinforcements to external border security for the EU as well as the Schengen Zone. An Entry/Exit System was agreed upon and is expected "shortly," as well as the finalization of a "European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS)," will enhance external border control and internal security, all allowing for specific cases for EU member states who do not fully apply Schengen rules. | 
