Brussels, 05/11/2003 (Agence Europe) - In opening remarks at the 2003 EADS Technology Forum on 4 November at the EADS Research Centre in Suresnes (Paris), the joint president of this French-German company, Philippe Camus, appealed to European governments to make greater investment in Research and Development (R&D) by creating a European Armament and Research Agency.
Mr Camus, who criticised the lack of R&D investment on the part of European governments, admitted, however, that it is "perhaps understandable given that Cold War threats had disappeared. But it is no longer satisfactory for the future. European governments must face up to their responsibility within the Western Alliance to adequately fund advanced R&D". "This is not only indispensable for the European effort to strengthen its defence capabilities and contribution to NATO and EU missions. It is also a prerequisite for future competitiveness of the European defence industry", he said.
The creation of a European Armament Military and Research Agency, Mr Camus says, would be "crucial to establishing a process for harmonising European requirements and procurement planning. Its very existence should make future large-scale defence and security procurement programmes in Europe more efficient, more timely and more cost-effective for the governments concerned". Mr Camus also urged in favour of increased industrial cooperation across the Atlantic: "The Western Allies should foster an environment in which transatlantic and other industrial partnerships can focus on delivering the most advanced systems in the most cost-effective manner".