Brussels, 19/05/2003 (Agence Europe) - With the adoption on Monday of the Declaration by Defence Ministers on the EU's military capabilities, the General Affairs and External Relations Council of the EU considers that the EU has the operational capabilities required for carrying out all Petersburg tasks, despite the fact that there are still some military shortfalls. The Council therefore welcomes the progress made and the implementation of the project groups responsible for making up these gaps (see above). Furthermore, the Council formally appointed General Rolando Mosca Moschini as the new Chairman of the EU Military Committee from 9 September 2004.
In its conclusions on European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), the Council also stresses the key role held by the defence industry and calls for: (1) a sufficient level of defence resources; (2) better coordination in the field of research and development; (3) the promotion of industrial cooperation in defence, with the possible involvement of National Armaments Directors. Furthermore, the Council welcomes the proposals on setting up a European agency for the development and procurement of capabilities. It also welcomes the setting in place of "permanent arrangements" between the EU and NATO, and the preparation of the joint EU/NATO military exercise, foreseen from 19 to 25 November. Finally, the Council expects proposals from the EU High Representative on the development of a planning unit and support of capabilities within the Council's Secretariat General, as requested in the Council's conclusions of 19 November.