Levi, 03/10/2006 (Agence Europe) - Meeting within the European Defence Agency (EDA) Steering Board in Levi on 3 October, European Union defence ministers approved the EDA's “long term vision” set out in a 25-page document that studies main world trends developing in the run up to 2025, setting out the implications in military terms and the EU's requirements in capabilities. The document provides a shared vision of the state of the world in which operations within the European security and defence policy framework will take place and sets out the kinds of capabilities that will be required in order to conduct these operations successfully, EU High Representative for CFSP Javier Solana said. Although approval by the Steering Board does not constitute agreement on all points of the report, ministers said it provides a base allowing the Agency to present new proposals with a view to developing a European Capabilities Development Plan. EU defence ministers also called on the Agency to finalise preparations on the joint force protection programme to ensure that a decision may be taken at their formal gathering in November, held on the sidelines of the EU foreign affairs' meeting. They also expressed their wish to see a large number of participants in the programme and hoped for a generous budget. Finally, the ministers discussed the priorities of the EDA and its financial framework for the next three years (2007-2009). We would point out that the EDA hopes its budget will be increased slightly to reach €22 million for the three years in question. The Agency is said to have the support of most EU Member States on this point and in particular that of France and Poland although some, notably the United Kingdom and Germany, have shown themselves to be less enthusiastic. (dt)