The European Council is expected to invite the EU Council on 16 December to push ahead with work on an ambitious ‘compass’, which “sets out a common strategic vision for the next decade and makes best use of all EU tools, including civilian and military policies, tools and instruments”, according to draft conclusions dated Tuesday 7 December. It should adopt the final version of the ‘strategic compass’ in March 2022.
According to the text, the leaders look forward “with interest” to the presentation of the technology roadmap, inviting the Commission and the EU High Representative to make new proposals that contribute to the implementation of the EU’s level of ambition.
“The EU will assume more responsibility for its security and defence, pursue a strategic course of action, and increase its capacity to act autonomously,” the leaders warn, adding that the Union is committed to strengthening its strategic partnership with NATO. Thus, the new joint statement should address “new threats and challenges and (include), as areas for enhanced cooperation, resilience, cyber and hybrid threats, climate change and security, space, and emerging and disruptive technologies”.
Furthermore, the leaders should stress the “urgent need” for Russia to defuse tensions caused by its military build-up along the border with Ukraine.
See the project: https://bit.ly/3EFP2rE (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)