The European Union Military Committee (EUMC) recommended, according to a document transmitted to Member States’ delegations on 15 January and obtained by EUROPE, the development of a methodology and precise criteria for proposals of enhanced modalities for the participation of non-Member States in CSDP missions and operations, in accordance with the EU institutional framework.
In the EUMC’s view, the basic conditions for a non-Member State to become a ‘CSDP partner’ should be: a Framework Participation Agreement (FPA) with the EU and an existing Security of Information Agreement (SIA), good neighbourly relations with the Member States, shared EU values and principles and respect for international law.
The Military Committee supports the creation of an informal CSDP ‘Partners Consultative Mechanism’, chaired by the European External Action Service (EEAS), to provide non-Member States and international organisations, at an early stage, with information on the EU’s initial approach to specific areas of conflict where the EU is considering the use of its CSDP instruments.
For the EUMC, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) should play a leading role in defining the necessary preconditions for joining the ‘Partners Consultative Mechanism’ and the precise methodology and criteria for this mechanism, in accordance with the EU institutional framework and procedures.
“In order for the EU to preserve the ownership of each CSDP mission/operation, the maximum share of each non-Member State contribution, as well as the total maximum share of the non-Member States’ contribution, must be specified”, the EUMC believes.
The EU should also further explore options, including in terms of funding or capabilities, to facilitate the contribution of potential and participating non-Member States to CSDP missions and operations.
In October, the EEAS had proposed strengthening the dialogue with non-Member States participating in CSDP missions and operations (see EUROPE 12584/17). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)