Supplementary memorandum from the Secretary
of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
During the FAC's Evidence Session on the Laeken
European Council, David Chidgey MP asked about the shortfall on
the Helsinki headline goal targets for the European Security and
Defence Policy. I promised some further information.
At the EU Capabilities Improvement Conference
(CIC) in November, EU Member States met another 10 of the remaining
capabilities target areas set by the Helsinki Headline Catalogue.
This brought the total to 104 out of 144 target areas. The shortfalls
met in the year leading up to the CIC were:
— Multiple Launch Rocket Systems
— Armoured Infantry Battalions
— Electronic Warfare Battalions
— Engineer Bridging Battalions
— Light Infantry Battalions
— Mechanised Infantry Battalions
The EU has 40 remaining significant shortfall
areas in order to meet the Helsinki Headline Goal. At the CIC,
Member States adopted an "action plan" to address these.
Under this plan, Member States will voluntarily sign up to a task
force dedicated to meeting one of the 40 remaining shortfall areas.
I attach a chart, which shows the areas where
shortfalls have been met and those which remain. It also displays
the Member States which have signed up to addressing them.
I hope this is useful.
Rt Hon Jack Straw MP
Secretary of State
Foreign and Commonwealth Office
20 December 2001
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