24/05/2011 (Agence Europe) - Council formally approves European Defence Agency status. On Monday 23 May, the Council approved a decision defining the status, seat and tasks of the European Defence Agency (EDA). Among other things, it gives the agency a legal personality. In line with this decision, the Agency will be empowered, under the Council's authority, to assist member states in defining their military capability objectives, promoting harmonisation of operational needs and the adoption of effective acquisition procedures, proposing multilateral projects to meet capability requirements, supporting research into defence technology and coordinating research activity, contributing and, where necessary, identifying measures needed to strengthen European defence industry, and supporting permanent structured cooperation. (A.By./transl.jl)