Brussels, 24/03/2004 (Agence Europe) - On 22 March the External Relations Council adopted without debate conclusions on a rapid military EU response, in which it welcomed the "useful contribution" of the Franco-British proposal, (to which Germany is also associated), for creating "European military groups". The Council has called on Javier Solana, CFSP High Representative, to present at his earliest convenience, a report to the EU Political and Security Committee (COPS) for adopting a "concept" on European military groups, which could still be done under the Irish presidency. The Council has underlined its intention of continuing priority work on rapid military responses in order to achieve practical results as soon as possible in the area of availability and deployable capability. The Council has also called on Javier Solana to continue discussions with the United Nations on the international rapid reaction force.