| UPDATED: 09:31, Wed, Mar 10, 2021 Link copied Macron criticised over push for EU army by Italian MEP Sign up to receive our rundown of the day's top stories direct to your inbox SUBSCRIBE Invalid email When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they'll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. Our Privacy Notice explains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time. Boris Johson's Brexit deal has helped pave the way for a European army but "lots remains to be done", according to a close ally of French President Emmanuel Macron. French MEP Nathalie Loiseau has told the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) the UK's exit from the European Union has cleared the way for "progress" towards greater EU military integration. She argued that Britain had never "valued" moves to craft closer military ties with Brussels but would remain a "key partner" for the bloc in terms of foreign policy and defence going forward.