Brussels, 18/09/2000 (Agence Europe) - One week before the informal meeting of the EU 15 Defence Ministers in Chateau d'Ecouen (see EUROPE of 16 September, p.3), the Belgian Minister for Defence André Flahaut presented the Verhofstadt government with the proposals for contribution that Belgium could make so as to reach by 2003 the "Headline Goal" of a EU rapid reaction force made up of around 60,000 men, indicated the Belga press agency. According to this proposals:
- the contribution by the Belgian land forces could be to engage, for a period of maximum six months, a mechanised brigade, namely around 3,000 men (infantry, artillery, tanks, engineers, logistics and medical).
- and aerial force could provide a squadron of F-16 fighters (twelve planes) for a long-term operation as well as "according to their availability", its twelve C-130 "Hercules" transport and its two Airbus A310 planes.
- the navy could deploy, for a four month period (possible to be extended to six months if necessary), a Fleet made up of two frigates, one support vessel and six anti-mine vessels - which noted Mr Flahaut, would not, principal, be engaged at the same time.