Brussels, 10/10/2003 (Agence Europe) - In his capacity as WEU Secretary General, Javier Solana transmitted to the Assembly of Western European Union - The Interparliamentary European Security and Defence Assembly the first part of the 49th report by the WEU Council on the Council's activities during the first half of 2003. The annual report is approved by the 10 Member States and the 18 other European countries represented within the WEU Council.
In the report, the Council proposes reflection on the first draft of a European Security Strategy for the EU. However, as a WEU Assembly press release states, it does not make any comment on the proposals of the Convention on the Future of Europe aimed at including a mutual defence clause in the draft constitutional treaty. "The Council", the press release continues, "states that the European Union has developed the necessary conceptual framework for the conduct of EU-led military crisis management operations, including those requiring rapid response". The press release goes on to say, however: "Its ability to conduct operations in practice depends on political will, on the ability to accelerate decision-making and on Member States' readiness rapidly to contribute the required interoperable assets and capabilities". The WEU Council also observes that an analysis should be made of the "impact of the ongoing shortfalls on full achievement of the Headline and Capabilities goals". Governments inform parliamentarians that work has been started on the establishment of an EU planning and mission support capability and that steps have been taken with a view to enhancing a European security culture under the ESDP. The Assembly had proposed that the Council create a European security and defence college, the purpose of which would be to develop a real security and defence culture.