24/09/2003 (Agence Europe) - Monday's Council was able to agree on the principle of setting up a permanent mechanism for joint costs of the EU's military operations, and the necessary financial regulation, as of 1 March 2004. This simplified mechanism will offer the EU greater flexibility and speed in managing the financing of these joint costs, whatever the urgency or complexity of the military operations to be undertaken. The modalities for this mechanism will be defined at a later date.