Brussels, 17/11/2009 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 17 November, the 27 EU member states reaffirmed their resolve to strengthen their joint capacity to promote peace, stability and security in the world. In a declaration adopted by the General Affairs and External Relations Council, member states affirm that “we, in the EU, will develop our joint capacity to pursue policies which can enhance our own security as well as the security of our neighbours and the wider world”, in line with the common values of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as rule of law in conformity with the principles of the UN Charter and international law.
It is necessary to make several breakthroughs in many areas to attain this objective, the Council notes however. These include the strengthening of the institutional framework once the Lisbon Treaty enters into force on 1 December. According to the declaration, member states will take concrete steps, as appropriate, to implement all provisions and articles of the Lisbon Treaty relevant to ESDP. It is also necessary to strengthen early warning capacity and the capacity to plan and carry out coherent, comprehensive and tailored policies for early action, crisis management and post-conflict development in conflict-ridden areas. Ministers undertake to provide the EU with effective capability to respond rapidly to crises and, to this end, will increase the usability and flexibility of the EU Battlegroups. The Council speaks of establishing rapid civilian deployment and improving logistical support. Member states also undertake to explore further possibilities for the pooling and sharing of resources, specialisation and warehousing. In the same declaration, ministers recognise that the budget for foreign and security policy should be appropriate for meeting current and future challenges. At this stage, the security budget foreseen in the European Commission budget is by way of €1.35 billion for the years 2008-2013. Once the Lisbon Treaty takes effect, the Athena fund conceived for EU military operations should have a start-up fund (for which there is already a beginning) in order to launch new operations. The Council also affirms that member states will step up civil-military coordination. As the declaration points out, this will include the enhancement of the civil-military aspects of the planning and conduct processes for new and ongoing ESDP missions and operations, as well as promote civil-military synergies and dual-use when developing civilian and military capabilities. When it comes to capabilities, the declaration acknowledges the importance of a well functioning defence equipment market based on fair and open competition, a level playing field and security of supply. It comes as no surprise that the development of such capabilities should come under the responsibility of the European Defence Agency, as well as the Council's relevant bodies, albeit in close cooperation with the European Commission.
The Council declaration also calls for possibilities of permanent structured cooperation to be explored, as set out in the Lisbon Treaty, which authorises the development of cooperation in defence and security between restricted groups of member states (criteria for implementation have, however, still to be defined). It also notes that work within the EU should continue, maintaining the momentum achieved in the integration of maritime surveillance. Finally, the declaration calls for closer links to be established between the European security and defence policy and the policy on freedom, security and justice. It calls for the EU's role to be developed in mediation and dialogue, with focus on the role of women and on intensified cooperation with key partners (United Nations, NATO, African Union and other regional players), as well as on strengthened contacts with non-governmental actors. (A.By./transl.jl)