On the basis of the observation that security threats have increased and that "the EU27 has to take action now", France and Germany put forward a joint proposal on Sunday 11 September to High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini. This proposal seeks to "revitalise" Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and trace a way towards "a global, realistic and credible defence within the EU".
Whilst awaiting the United Kingdom to effectively leave the European Union, these two member states are suggesting to the other countries that they move forward quickly as the EU27, or at least in taking the first step towards permanent structured cooperation. Participation would therefore be voluntary but, once decided, it would lead to a more binding commitment, "allowing for an authentic stage by stage change within the CSDP", they explained. They are also proposing a roadmap to be drawn up with the goal of the European Council providing the "necessary political impetus" by the end of the year, which would also provide some structure to the EU's global foreign and security policy, as presented at the end of last June (see EUROPE 11581).
The boldest initiatives they propose seek to provide the EU with a strategic planning capacity in the shape of a permanent military high command, the extension of joint financing for CFSD missions and operations, and the strengthening of Eurocorps. Setting up a European medical command, the introduction of European strategic transport capacity, and the launch of joint officer training are also mentioned but only as ideas that should be "explored".
France and Germany ultimately highlight the need to implement what has already been decided by the European Council but which has experienced delays in implementation or is on the point of being implemented. This also applies for funding defence research on the basis of the EU budget, as well as for certain capacity for the armed forces in third countries. The two countries point out the importance of a European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB), which is "strong, competitive and innovative". In order to built this kind of base, the European institutions and agencies should look at "appropriate incentive mechanisms" to promote capacity cooperation and development, which could be supervised as part of a "European defence semester". (Original version in French by Jan Kordys)