In its work programme, the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council calls for the EU to be empowered to “safeguard its interests by acting as an effective security actor in its neighbourhood as well as in the rest of the world”.
To this end, the Presidency intends to support “EU initiatives for proactive engagements in a 360-degree approach, which will encompass both new and existing Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations”.
In addition to continuing military support for Ukraine, the Presidency wants to encourage the EU to make an appropriate contribution to security in other regions of the world, particularly Africa.
“This will involve dedicated cooperation with key partners, including through global instruments like the European Peace Facility (EPF)”, says the Presidency, while the EPF is due to be reformed in the coming months.
The Belgian Presidency also wants to make the ‘Strategic Compass’ operational, including by working to develop the ‘EU Rapid Deployment Capacity’ as quickly as possible and to ensure that the EU command and control structures are fit for purpose. The Presidency also wants to continue implementing the civil CSDP (see EUROPE 13186/25).
In addition, the Presidency will support efforts to strengthen the EU’s resilience, particularly in the areas of cyber security, military mobility, space and maritime security as well as the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Belgium also wants to lead discussions on increasing the mutual benefits of dual-use capabilities, including their societal return.
It also intends to contribute actively to the EU’s security and defence policy partnerships by highlighting the importance of enhanced cooperation and dialogue with like-minded partners. It also wants to strengthen cooperation between the EU and NATO, particularly on military mobility, space, resistance to hybrid threats and the protection of critical infrastructures.
Finally, the Presidency will stimulate discussions on the future of European security and defence with a shift towards a more integrated Union approach.
“This reflection will centre on optimising existing instruments, including the EPF, and implementing new tools, as required. The focus will be on strengthening the European defence technological and industrial base, including by advancing Council deliberations on the European Defence Industrial strategy”, the programme states.
At the end of February, the European Commission is due to present a ‘European Defence Industrial Strategy’ and a ‘European Defence Investment Programme’ (EDIP) (see EUROPE 13304/18).
To see the programme of the Belgian Presidency of the EU Council: https://aeur.eu/f/a4i (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)