8 Presidency report on European Security
and Defence Policy
| (30693)
10748/09
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| Presidency Report on European Security and Defence Policy
|
| Legal base | — |
| Deposited in Parliament | 16 June 2009
|
| Department | Foreign and Commonwealth Office
|
| Basis of consideration | EM of 15 June 2009
|
| Previous Committee Report | None; but see (30250) 16686/08: HC 19-ii (2008-09), chapter 8 (17 December 2008) and HC 19-v (2008-09), chapter 2 (28 January 2009)
|
| Discussed in Council | 18-19 June 2009 European Council
|
| Committee's assessment | Politically important
|
| Committee's decision | Cleared
|
Background
8.1 At their 1998 summit meeting in St Malo, the then Prime Minister,
Tony Blair, and former President Chirac proposed that the European
Union should have "the capacity for autonomous action, backed
up by credible military forces": in particular, the military
capacity to take on humanitarian tasks, rescue, peace-keeping
and the tasks of combat forces in crisis management (as listed
in Article 17.2 EU, known as Petersberg tasks).[32]
These proposals were adopted at the Cologne European Council in
June 1999.
8.2 At the 1999 NATO Washington Summit and, subsequently,
the December 2000 Nice European Council, both organisations agreed
that the EU would act only where NATO as a whole was not engaged.
NATO also agreed at the Washington summit to support ESDP with
the so-called "Berlin-plus" arrangements, whereby the
EU can call on key NATO facilities in order to run its own military
operations. The Helsinki European Council in December 1999 set
Member States a military capability target known as the Headline
Goal — deploying 50-60,000 troops, capable of conducting
the full range of Petersberg Tasks, within 60 days, sustainable
for up to a year, with air and naval support as necessary, before
the end of 2003. From the likely scenarios envisaged, the EU Military
Staff (EUMS) generated the "Helsinki Headline Catalogue"
which specifies which capabilities are required in each of 144
capability areas. Member States aimed to address these shortfalls
through the November 2001 European Capabilities Action Plan (ECAP).
8.3 Notwithstanding the findings of the first phase
of ECAP in May, the June 2003 Thessaloniki European Council confirmed
that ESDP was operational across the full range of Petersberg
tasks, albeit limited and constrained by recognised capability
shortfalls.
8.4 The June 2004 European Council then approved
a new Headline Goal 2010, which focuses on the qualitative aspects
of capabilities — interoperability, deployability and sustainability
— as the basis of Member States' work on meeting capability
shortfalls in the medium term.
8.5 At the same time, the December 2003 European
Security Strategy identified, in place of large-scale aggression
against any Member State, terrorism, proliferation of weapons
of mass destruction, regional conflicts, state failure and organised
crime as "new threats which are more diverse, less visible
and less predictable". This and the EU's Headline Goal 2010
aspirations led in 2004 to the Battlegroups initiative —
each Battlegroup based on a combined arms, battalion-size force
(1,500 troops) reinforced with combat support and combat service
support; sustainable in the field for 30 days, extendable up to
120 days; capable of standalone operations or for the initial
phase of large operations; employable across the full range of
both the Petersberg tasks and those identified in the European
Security Strategy; designed specifically, but not exclusively,
to be used in response to a request from the UN.
8.6 At the 2004 Capability Commitment Conference,
Member States made an initial commitment to the formation of 13
battlegroups. Four member states (UK, France, Italy and Spain)
provided their national battlegroups at an early stage of the
programme, and in 2006 a German-French battlegroup with contributions
from Belgium, Luxembourg and Spain had achieved partial operational
capability for evacuation and extraction. From January 2007, the
EU was to have the full operational capability to undertake two
battlegroup-size rapid response operations, including the capability
to launch both operations almost simultaneously.
8.7 The EU's civilian crisis management capability,
or civilian ESDP, has developed in tandem, principally since the
Helsinki European Council in December 1999. The June 2000 Feira
European Council listed four priority areas in which the EU should
acquire civilian capabilities — police, the rule of law,
civil administration and civil protection — with the goal
by 2003 of a police force of up to 5,000 personnel contributing
to international missions across the range of conflict prevention
and crisis management operations. The December 2004 European Council
endorsed a Civilian Headline Goal 2008 which envisages the deployment
of civilian ESDP capabilities within 30 days of the decision to
launch a mission (e.g., to help with security sector reform and
support to disarmament and demobilisation processes) while the
December 2005 European Council agreed on a concept for setting
up and deploying civilian response teams with the initial goal
of a pool of up to 100 experts by the end of 2006 (for early assessment
of a crisis situation, support for the establishment of civilian
ESDP missions and support to an EU special representative or an
ongoing civilian operation; mobilised and deployed within five
days of a request).
The ESDP Presidency report
8.8 Each Presidency submits a report on European
Security and Defence Policy to the European Council (in December
or June) recording: significant developments over the six months
of each Presidency; referring where appropriate to activities
undertaken in earlier months; highlighting progress in specific
areas; and drawing attention to others where further work is needed.
The Czech Presidency report
8.9 The report is a record of ESDP developments during
the Czech Presidency in the first half of 2009. The main sections
of the report are EU Operational Activities, Lessons Learned,
Development of Civilian and Military Capabilities, Civil-Military
Coordination, Human Rights, Gender and Children's Issues, EU Training
and Exercises, and Cooperation with International Organisations
and third states.
8.10 The report also covers the EU Satellite Centre;
EU Institute for Security Studies, Security Sector Reform, Conflict
Prevention and ESDP information to the European Parliament.
8.11 As is customary, the report concludes with a
mandate from the Council for the incoming Presidency. This prioritises
areas for the Czech Presidency to take forward over the next six
months.[33]
The Government's view
8.12 The Report is helpfully and comprehensively
summarised and analysed by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of
State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (Chris Bryant) in
his Explanatory Memorandum of 15 June 2009.
8.13 The Minister welcomes the Report as a comprehensive
description of progress and achievements in ESDP under the Czech
Presidency, with regard to which "the UK has continued to
take a leading role in developing ESDP to ensure that it remains
in line with our objectives of having a more capable, coherent
and active policy that remains supportive of and complementary
to NATO."
8.14 The Minister then looks at a number of the particular
aspects as follows:
DEVELOPING CIVILIAN AND MILITARY CAPABILITIES
"There has been progress in developing both
Civilian and Military capabilities. The UK welcomes the substantial
progress in the field of force generation, which has resulted
in an increase in applications and an increase in staffing levels
in key missions, namely EUPOL Afghanistan. This increase is vital
to the successful delivery of mission mandates.
"Following the November 2008 GAERC commitment
(reiterated in December European Council), the Czech Presidency
has pursued work in developing National Strategies on civilian
capacities. A seminar is taking place on 11 June 2009 to share
best practice among Member States on the recruitment, selection
and training of candidates for international civilian missions.
The UK welcomes this opportunity for all Member States to build
civilian capacity to deliver stability in crisis situations, especially
as each Member State will have a different way of developing their
capabilities (as recognised by the development of National Strategies).
The UK is looking to continue to second highly qualified individuals
to civilian missions and make available the 1000-strong UK civilian
standby capacity as outlined in the National Security Strategy.
"The UK remains fully committed to ESDP missions
and in building civilian capabilities. Due to the projected increase
in assessed peacekeeping contributions caused by changes in exchange
rates and an increase in peacekeeping activity through the UN
and the EU, the UK has had to undertake a prioritisation exercise
to focus remaining resources for discretionary expenditure on
countries where the risk and impact of conflict is greatest. Departments
have found £71 million in new money to mitigate the worst
effects of this but the UK has had to make some cuts to the number
of secondees in EU Civilian missions. The quality of secondees
continues to be extremely high and commended by Head of Missions.
EU AND NATO
"The UK welcomes the progress made by the
Czech Presidency on improving relations between the EU and NATO.
The EU-NATO Capability Group met in Defence Policy Directors format
for the first time at this elevated level in April, to discuss
amongst other areas, harmonising defence planning and improving
the availability of helicopters to both organisations. The Presidency
also facilitated a meeting of the EU NATO Capability Group at
national expert level, where Unmanned Aerial Vehicles were discussed.
This step is again welcomed by the UK as key in increasing
transparency as well as reducing duplication between the
two organisations.
"In close cooperation with the EU Military Staff,
progress has been made on taking forward lessons learned from
the Headline Goal Process which has resulted in ongoing work to
improve the process and increase the commonality with the NATO
planning process. We look forward to further progress in this
area, notably finalisation of the shared Information Gathering tool
and the Defence Planning Toolbox within the forthcoming Swedish
Presidency.
"Progress in the Interoperability Study, effectively
coordinated under the Czech presidency, is encouraging, and the
final report and recommendations for improvement of this vital
facet of operations are awaited with interest in November 2009.
The update of the Force Catalogue 2009 to encompass those contributions
made by eight Member States by means of submitting the same response
to the EU and NATO Defence Planning Questionnaires is positive
in increasing transparency between the two organisations. We look
forward to a report outlining the effects on existing capability
shortfalls during the Swedish Presidency.
"The UK warmly welcomed continued work on improving
the availability of helicopters. This area provides
a good example of how the EU, through the European Defence Agency
(EDA), and NATO can work together to deliver concrete capability
solutions to critical shortfalls, offering a model for possible
further collaboration in other capability areas. The EDA continues
to lead on training for crews who will be deployed for operations
as a result of the Initiative, the first helicopters and crews
are expected in theatre this year. The UK welcomes the positive
role being played by the EDA in delivering this mission essential
training.
"The UK strongly supports continued implementation
of the new EU Crisis Management Planning Directorate (CMPD) which
will bring together civilian and military strategic level planners,
fostering greater civilian and military coordination. This is
an important element of the Comprehensive Approach, taking account
of the civilian and military dimensions of conflict management.
"The CMPD will be formed by merging elements
of the Council Secretariat and the EU Military Staff. The CMPD
will work with the rest of the EU Military Staff (EUMS) and the
Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) to produce options
papers and the early planning documents ahead of the launch of
an ESDP mission.
COUNTERING PIRACY
"… countering piracy remains a key priority.
EU anti-piracy operation ATALANTA launched on 8 December, reached
full operational capacity on 13 January. The operation, commanded
from Northwood originally commanded by British Rear Admiral Phil
Jones, now by British Real Admiral Peter Hudson, is ensuring the
safe passage for World Food Programme ships bringing humanitarian
assistance to Somalia, and deterring acts of piracy against international
shipping.
"The EU operation is currently scheduled to
last until 13 December 2009. The estimated common cost for one
year of the operation, to be met by all of the EU Member States
is €8.3 Million. Other costs will be met by the participating
nations. These 'common costs' are paid through contributions by
member states to a financial mechanism 'ATHENA' based on GDP.
The UK's contribution is £1.29m
"The UK has confirmed that in the event that
the EU decides to extend the mission beyond December 2009, that
the UK would be happy for the OHQ to remain at Northwood under
UK command.
"ATALANTA is already regarded as a success for
ESDP. However, the UK continues to press through the EU the view
that piracy is a symptom of wider issues and requires a comprehensive
approach to tacking piracy at its root. The UK, with the support
of the International Maritime Organization, is leading a Working
Group addressing activities related to military and operational
information coordination, including taking forward work on regional
capacity building.
"However, coordination between international
naval forces is already considered effective, notably between
Op ATALANTA, NATO and the US-commanded Combined Maritime Forces,
but also with many other national navies deployed in the region,
resulting in an unprecedented amount of multi-national cooperation.
"The UK welcomes the fact that EULEX Kosovo
has now reached Full Operating Capability, with 1713 international
staff, and is active in all areas of the mandate. Monitoring,
mentoring and advising activities have provided insights into
strengths and weaknesses in the law enforcement and justice area
in Kosovo and identified pointers to where EULEX can improve the
situation. The security situation is mainly stable, with some
protests in the North.
EUMM GEORGIA
"The UK applauds the work of EUMM Georgia, in
particular its confidence building activities and concluding the
Memorandum of Understanding with the Georgian Ministries of Defence
and Interior and in the establishment of the Incident Prevention
Mechanism. The mission has not been able to fully implement its
mandate throughout Georgia as there is still no access to South
Ossetia and Abkhazia and Russia continues to reinforce its presence
in the breakaway regions. It has also failed to fully comply with
the 6-point Agreement made in August 2008. HMG continues to strongly
support the presence of the mission in Georgia as a vital instrument
to build confidence among the parties in Georgia and to monitor
the ceasefire following the hostilities in 2008.
PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES
"UK welcomes progress in the missions in the
Palestinian Territories. The new British Head of Mission to EUPOL
COPPS is taking forward the new comprehensive Action Plan and
expansion of the Rule of Law section, both required for the further
development of policing and justice in the Palestinian Territories.
The EU demonstrated its ability to respond quickly to conflict,
with the rapid re-building of EUBAM Rafah in January 2009 following
the Gaza conflict."
8.15 The Minister then turns to Operational Activities:
WESTERN BALKANS
Bosnia-Herzegovina
"Following the successful reconfiguration of
Operation ALTHEA in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) in 2007
the European Union force (EUFOR) numbers some 2,200 troops on
the ground, backed up by over-the-horizon reserves. Within its
overall mandate, its operational priorities remain the maintenance
of the secure and safe environment, the transfer of the remaining
Joint Military Affairs task to the relevant national authorities,
supporting and monitoring implementation by the BiH authorities
of those Joint Military Affairs tasks already transferred, and
support for the armed forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina as regards
training.
"On 18 May 2009 the Council assessed operation
ALTHEA and approved the recommendations made in the Secretary-General/High
Representative's six-monthly report on the operation. The Council
noted that, despite the challenging political environment, the
security situation in Bosnia-and-Herzegovina (BiH) remained stable.
The Council welcomed the positive contribution of the force to
the safe and secure environment in BiH, and added that the EU-led
force (EUFOR) continued to provide reassurance and remained ready
to respond to possible security challenges throughout the country.
"The Council approved, for planning purposes,
the Concept, and the Provisional Statement of Requirements, for
a possible evolution of Operation ALTHEA towards a non-executive
capacity-building and training operation, in the light of advice
and conclusions of relevant Council bodies. The Council reconfirmed
that it would keep this planning work under regular review so
that a decision on the future of the operation could be taken
once the necessary conditions had been met.
"The Council reiterated that approval of the
Concept does not prejudge a political decision on the possible
evolution of Operation ALTHEA which would need to take political
developments, including the future role of the EUSR, into account.
"The EU Police Mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina
(EUPM) has continued to promote and support the reform of the
BiH police services. The Mission has continued to monitor the
implementation of the two police reform laws adopted in 2008.
It has continued its action on concrete capacity building at State
level and country-wide harmonization of all laws pertaining to
law enforcement agencies and police officials.
"With the assistance of EUPM, the State Investigation
and Protection Agency (SIPA) has made progress in implementing
sustainable policing arrangements for the targeting of organised
crime networks and bringing to justice key figures allegedly involved
in serious criminal offence. EUPM has also supported the emergence
of a track-record of achievements in the fight against organised
crime, in particular by assisting with the in-depth analysis of
crimes, using advanced investigative techniques and intelligence.
"EUPM has further developed effective mechanisms
for coordination between the law-enforcement agencies and the
judiciary, particularly as regards relations between police and
prosecutors."
Kosovo
"The EULEX KOSOVO Mission as set out in the
Joint Action adopted by the Council of the European Union of 4
February 2008, has reached full operational capability on 6 April
2009. With approximately 1700 international personnel deployed
across Kosovo, the mission has been able to take forward its activities
to a larger extent.
"In accordance with its programmatic approach,
EULEX KOSOVO has conducted monitoring, mentoring and advising
activities aimed at improving the performance of the competent
Kosovo institutions, judicial authorities and law-enforcement
agencies.
"The Mission has, in parallel, retained certain
executive responsibilities as per its mandate. The Mission has
in particular reviewed the backlog of sensitive investigations
pertaining to war crimes, terrorism, organised crime, corruption,
inter-ethnic crimes, financial/economic crimes and other serious
crimes. Prosecution and adjudication over these cases have also
ensued allowing EULEX Judges and Prosecutors to conduct their
first trials and issue their first rulings, including in the Mitrovica
Court. Adjudication of civilian/property cases have also started
to take place. EULEX KOSOVO has also provided an effective security
response as second security responder in support of Kosovo police
services in case of challenges to law and order. EULEX Kosovo
has ensured a 24/7 presence at the Gates in Northern Kosovo leading
to a significant decrease in smuggling of goods. The purpose of
the presence is to register trade in order to increase the collection
of revenues."
EASTERN EUROPE AND SOUTH CAUCASUS
Georgia
"Building on its timely and effective deployment
to Georgia on 1 October 2008, EUMM Georgia has been successful
in contributing to greater security and stability in Georgia and
in the Southern Caucasus under the terms of the Six Point Plan
of 12 August and the Implementation Agreement of 8 September 2008.
EUMM's engagement is part of a broader EU and international approach
to the region as exemplified by the Geneva process. EUMM's presence
on the ground makes armed conflict in Georgia less likely, as
acknowledged by both Georgia and Russia. The Mission has since
its deployment conducted nearly 3600 patrols, by day and night.
Nevertheless, frequent incidents still are a reminder that the
situation in the vicinity of the Administrative Boundary Lines
(ABL) remains volatile. EUMM has investigated a number of incidents
and provided neutral and unbiased assessment — not only
towards authorities but also vis-à-vis the wider public
and media.
"Since its deployment, EUMM has made decisive
progress in all four tasks of its mandate: stabilisation, normalisation,
confidence building and informing EU policy. A majority of the
IDPs from the August conflict could return to their homes and
villages. EUMM has initiated confidence building measures which
aim at undercutting the link between incidents and conflict, in
particular the conclusion of Memoranda of Understanding with the
Georgian Ministries of Defence and Interior and in the establishment
of an Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM). Nevertheless,
under present circumstances, further progress towards the fulfilment
of the mission's mandate will remain important for the normalisation
of the situation and for the stability of the region.
Border Support Team
"The Border Support Team in Georgia has continued
its activities within the office of the EUSR for the South Caucasus.
The team has carried on assisting the implementation of the border
management strategy focusing on the inter-agency cooperation within
Georgia.
Moldova-Ukraine
"The EU Border Assistance Mission to the Republic
of Moldova and Ukraine (EUBAM Moldova-Ukraine, which is a European
Commission activity staffed to a large extent by seconded experts
from EU Member States, has continued its activities. EUBAM Moldova-Ukraine
assists the governments of the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine
in areas involving border, customs and fiscal matters, including
through monitoring activities."
ASIA
Afghanistan
"The EU Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL
Afghanistan) has made substantial progress in the implementation
of its mandate, at tactical, operational and strategic levels
over the last six months.
"The Mission is deployed in Kabul and in 16
provinces of Afghanistan, accommodated in Provincial Reconstruction
Teams and Regional Commands. Preparations for deployment to two
Eastern provinces are ongoing.
"The Mission has been in the lead in some of
the key aspects of police reform, like the anti-corruption strategy
for the Ministry of Interior, in intelligence-led policing and
criminal investigations. The Mission has also increased its work
on the linkages with the broader Rule of Law sector, in particular
in the areas of cooperation between police and the prosecutor's
office, in assisting in drafting key legislation and mentoring
of key interlocutors in both the Attorney General's Office and
Supreme Court. EUPOL has also taken a very active part in the
international efforts to strengthen Kabul City Police and Kabul
City security. The Mission has also continued to work on the general
aspects of police reform, on border police (in particular at the
international airports), as well as on gender and human rights.
"A large Train the Trainers programme has been
launched, which includes training of the Afghan police on its
role and performance during the upcoming elections. The purpose,
through a multiplier effect, is to train 35 000 police officers
by the 2010 parliamentary elections. Additional training activities
have also been conducted throughout Afghanistan, in the Mission's
main areas of focus. In carrying out these activities, specific
attention has been given to reinforcing the coherence of actions
between Kabul and the PRTs.
"The Mission has continued to strengthen effective
coordination with other EU actors, European Commission, EUSR,
as well as with international partners, in particular UNAMA and
the US, within the framework of a restructured International Police
Coordination Board.
"The decision to progressively double the number
of Mission personnel is being implemented."
MIDDLE EAST
Palestinian Territories
"The EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories
(EUPOL COPPS) has continued its action to assist the Palestinian
Civilian Police in establishing lasting and effective policing
arrangements.
"The Mission has, since July 2008, set up its
Rule of Law section to assist the Palestinian criminal justice
system. A total of 17 judicial experts have been deployed to the
Mission in September 2008. Following the renewal of the Mission's
mandate for two additional years in December 2008, and the arrival
of a new Head of Mission in January 2009, the Mission has produced
a comprehensive Assessment of the PA criminal justice system.
"Based on these findings, the Mission has, together
with local and international counterparts, developed an Action
Plan for the criminal justice that will include proposed actions
in support of the penitentiary, courts, General Prosecutor's Office,
the High Judicial Council and the Ministry of Justice. The Action
Plan will enter implementation during the summer 2009.
"The Council agreed to take work forward on
addressing further action in the broader rule of law in the Palestinian
Territories. EUPOL COPPS activities in this area will enhance
synergies with Community action in this field.
Rafah
"The EU Border Assistance Mission for the Rafah
Crossing Point (EUBAM Rafah) suspended its operations after the
closure of the Rafah Crossing Point at the time of the takeover
of Gaza by Hamas in June 2007 while maintaining its operational
capability to redeploy at short notice.
"The Council confirmed the EU's readiness to
redeploy at the Rafah Crossing Point, as soon as political conditions
allow. The Council underlined that since the closure of the Rafah
Crossing Point the mission has maintained its operational capability.
The Council reiterated its commitment to EUBAM Rafah, to the Agreements
concluded and to the region, in particular the population of Gaza.
It underlined the importance of the implementation of the Agreement
on Movement and Access by all parties.
Iraq
"The EU is confirming and enhancing its engagement
to reinforce the rule of law in Iraq and to promote human rights.
In this line, the EU has decided to extend the Integrated Rule
of Law Mission for Iraq (EUJUST LEX) from July 2009 to June 2010,
including a pilot phase with in-country activities from July 2009
onwards.
"The Mission has facilitated training interventions
provided by the Member States for senior police officers, prosecutors,
judges and prison governors. So far, more than 2100 Iraqis have
participated in EUJUST LEX courses. Also during the extension
period, these courses will continue.
"In addition, the Mission began to conduct preliminary
activities in the area of the rule of law on Iraqi territory in
May 2009, progressively and on an experimental basis, where security
conditions permit.
"In-country activities will include training,
strategic advice and mentoring. The areas have been identified
also on the basis of an evaluation of the needs of the justice
and the rule of law sector in Iraq.
AFRICA
Somalia
"During the last six months, Operation ATALANTA
has demonstrated its ability to act effectively against piracy.
All World Food Programme and African Union Mission in Somalia
(AMISOM) shipments protected by EUNAVFOR warships have arrived
safely. Operation ATALANTA has also contributed to the protection
of other vulnerable vessels sailing in the Gulf of Aden and off
the Somali coast.
"Coordination with the maritime community has
been instrumental in promoting widely self-protection measures
and best management practice to deter piracy. The development
of the Atalanta's Maritime Security Centre-Horn of Africa inside
the EU OHQ has provided an innovative and powerful interface to
liaise and communicate with the international merchant community.
Besides, the EU has established 10 cooperative frameworks and
arrangements which enable Operation Atalanta to cooperate effectively
with other naval forces and assets deployed in the region. This
comprehensive approach has contributed to a significant disruption
of attacks in the Gulf of Aden. An increasing number of suspected
pirates have been captured by Atalanta. Operation ATALANTA has
also enjoyed broad media coverage.
"However, in spring 2009, piracy acts have occurred
further south in the Somali Basin. In May the Council expressed
its concern at the surge of piracy acts occurring at distances
increasingly remote from the coastlines of East Africa, requiring
an expansion of the initial area of operation; which makes it
necessary to meet the growing need for maritime surveillance.
It demonstrated the need to keep adjusting the EU response to
piracy activity and the importance of maintaining a high degree
of cooperation with other actors.
"In this regard, the EU has participated actively
in the work of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia
and in its working groups. The main efforts have related to the
improvement of military and operational exchange of information
and to the legal aspects of counter-piracy operations.
"As concerns the judicial treatment of suspected
pirates captured by EUNAVFOR warships, the Transfer Agreement
concluded in the form of the exchange of letters between the EU
and Kenya on 6 March 2009 represents a breakthrough as it ensures
the necessary continuum between military action and subsequent
prosecution. Efforts are being pursued also to conclude arrangements
with Tanzania and Seychelles. The European Commission adopted
a decision on a 1.75 million EUR assistance programme, under the
Instrument for Stability, with the aim to provide targeted support
to the trial and related treatment of piracy suspects in Kenya.
"Following contract signature on 15th May between
EC and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the latter started
immediately implementing the jointly developed programme, which
will last over a period of up to 18 months.
"Atalanta's contribution to countering piracy
has been evidenced by its achievements over the last 6 months.
However, piracy is likely to remain a serious threat beyond Atalanta's
current end date. As commonly acknowledged, it is only ashore
that root causes of piracy can be addressed. The pledges made
at the Brussels Conference on Somali Security on 23 April 2009
constitute a promising step towards the establishment of the efficient
Somali National Security Force and the civilian Somali Police
Force. Measures and options are being studied and developed on
further possible contributions to the security sector in Somalia
by relevant EU actors.
Chad/RCA (Central African Republic)
"Following the successful transfer of authority
between EUFOR Tchad/RCA and MINURCAT on 15 March 2009, the Council
welcomed the fulfilment of EUFOR's mandate and underlined the
exemplary cooperation between the European Union and the United
Nations during the conduct phase of operation. It stressed that
this cooperation could serve as a basis for future collaboration.
"Throughout its mandate, EUFOR made a tangible
contribution towards facilitating the activities of humanitarian
workers, protecting civilians in danger, in particular refugees
and displaced persons affected by the neighbouring crisis in Darfur,
and protecting the staff of the United Nations.
"The operation was underpinned by an active,
coordinated and coherent military information campaign, targeted
at all stakeholders. It aimed in particular to reassuring the
actors in theatre that there would be a smooth transition to a
UN follow-on operation with no security vacuum.
"EUFOR's redeployment did not mark the end of
the European Union's involvement in Chad, the Central African
Republic or the region as a whole. Around 2 000 troops from European
countries who served under EUFOR are currently under the MINURCAT
banner, which further underlines European support to UN peacekeeping
operations. Moreover, the European Union has remained active at
a political and diplomatic level in Chad, the Central African
Republic and especially Sudan. The European Union also continues
to be active in the region in the field of humanitarian and development
activities as a strategic donor.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
"Restoration of governance in general and defence
reform in particular have remained central factors in creating
conditions for lasting stability in DRC.
"EUSEC RD Congo has continued its work in providing
advice and assistance for security sector reform, in close coordination
with other relevant actors, with the aim of contributing to the
Congolese efforts to restructure and reform the Congolese army,
including via a number of practical activities. EUSEC RD Congo
has also continued to provide support to the EUSR for the African
Great Lakes Region.
"As regards the modernisation of the military
administration, on 29 December 2008 EUSEC RDC completed the Census
of the FARDC. By this date, approximately 130 000 military
personnel had been indentified. The results of the census were
presented to the Congolese authorities in January 2009. The chain
of payments project has now been extended to all army personnel
at the request of the Congolese authorities.
"To complement in a coherent manner its primary
advisory role in the reform of the army, EUSEC implemented or
supervised projects in areas such as gender, human rights, health
and infrastructure, financed or initiated by Member States and/or
the EC. On 18 May the Council underlined that these projects currently
play a determining role in increasing the visibility and the credibility
of actions undertaken at the strategic level.
"EUSEC will continue to assist in the organisation
of the FARDC administration. Supporting with specific EUSEC expertise
the accelerated integration of the CNDP and other armed groups
into the FARDC remains a short-term priority.
"The EUSEC mandate expires on 30 June 2009.
A no-additional-cost extension of the mission's mandate for 3
months, until 30 September 2009, has been agreed in principle,
and work on a revised general concept for the mission has started.
"EUPOL RD Congo continues to support the efforts
to reform the Congolese National Police (CNP), in particular through
the Police Reform Monitoring Committee (Comité de suivi
pour la réforme de la police, CSRP). The Mission also continues
to facilitate links between the police and the various stages
of the judicial system with the help of its justice interface.
EUPOL RD Congo is also involved in more operational activities
such as supporting the creation and development of the Police
de Recherche et d'Intervention (PRI), the development of a Command
and Control Centre for the PNC or supporting the Inspection Générale
d'Audit (IGA). Moreover, EUPOL and EUSEC work in close cooperation
to assist the overall Security Sector Reform efforts in the DR
Congo.
"The Mission has established a presence in the
east of the country (Goma and Bukavu) and is closely following
the way in which the security situation in the region is developing.
In order to fulfil its objectives, the mission's mandate is to
be extended for an additional 12-month period until 30 June 2010,
and will be equipped with a Project Cell to deliver small actions
in support of its mandate."
Guinea Bissau
"The EU SSR Guinea-Bissau Mission provides local
authorities with advice and assistance on SSR with respect to
military, police and justice in order to contribute to creating
the conditions for implementation of the National SSR Strategy.
The mission cooperates closely with other EU, international and
bilateral actors with a view to facilitating subsequent donor
engagement.
"The EU SSR GUINEA-BISSAU Mission was launched
on 16 June 2008 for an initial period of twelve months and subsequently
extended for six months, i.e. until November 2009. The rationale
of the extension is to fully accomplish the mission's mandate,
to further explore the capacity and the commitment of the new
government to carry forward the reform process and to assess the
willingness of the International Community to support it."
8.16 The Minister then considers the area of Capabilities
in greater detail:
DEVELOPMENT OF CIVILIAN CAPABILITIES
Civilian Headline Goal 2010
"In January 2009, the PSC approved a Civilian
Capability Improvement Plan, in accordance with the Civilian Headline
Goal (CHG) 2010 and in line with the Declaration on strengthening
capabilities adopted by the Council and endorsed by the European
Council in December 2008.
"In accordance with this Improvement Plan, implementation
of the CHG 2010 in the first semester of 2009 focused on the following
main issues:
a) Development of the Goalkeeper software environment
(Civilian Capability Management Tool);
b) Reflection on national strategies facilitating
the deployment of civilian personnel for ESDP.
a) Development of the Goalkeeper software environment
"The Secretariat continued the development and
implementation of a software environment called Goalkeeper. A
road map for the Goalkeeper development was established by the
Secretariat. Two Goalkeeper applications were released on-line,
dealing with training and conceptual development. Goalkeeper will
ultimately be a user friendly tool, consisting of the following
applications: generation of job descriptions for mission personnel,
the keeping of national rosters of potentially available personnel,
training and conceptual development and possibly the generic forward
planning of equipment and services for civilian ESDP missions.
Goalkeeper should improve and streamline the work in the above
areas and also help to foster the establishment and implementation
of national strategies to facilitate the deployment of mission
personnel, and encourage the exchange of best practices.
b) Reflection on national strategies
"In light of the increasing numbers of ESDP
missions, Member States face the need to establish structures
in order to identify and deliver the necessary resources effectively
and efficiently. The challenge therefore is to ensure that Member
States have policies and structures in place that allow them to
generate the necessary capabilities across the different Ministries
and Services involved, and to sustain such efforts over time.
Some Member States have already begun to proceed in this direction
by establishing national strategies or action plans or by taking
other measures.
"A seminar on national strategies facilitating
the deployment of civilian personnel for ESDP took place in June
2009. This seminar convened high-level representatives of Members
States from key Ministries involved in Civilian Crisis Management
to study facilitating measures in different areas, and proposed
a roadmap aimed at the implementation of such measures.
"A joint Presidency/Secretariat document 'Operational
aspects of Civilian ESDP capabilities — follow up to Gymnich
in Hluboka' was discussed by PSC on 13 May 2009. The
document presented an inventory of some key operational aspects
of civilian ESDP apart of issues tackled at technical level in
the traffic lights document and suggested ways to better match
political ambition with ESDP action and civilian crisis management
resources. A tight time-schedule was set up to come up with practical
solutions.
"Substantial progress has been recently made
in the field of force generation, notably in human and financial
resources and provision of equipment. Improved procedures have
been put in place as far as selection of staff, calls for contribution
and standardized job descriptions are concerned.
"Two calls for deployment were made for a total
of 12 Civilian Response Teams (CRTs) experts as temporary reinforcements
to EUBAM Rafah. An availability inventory for the CRT pool of
experts is underway. A secure website was presented in early 2009.
This website will be made available to ongoing ESDP missions,
members of ESDP fact-finding and planning teams, as well as Member
States' experts responsible for civilian ESDP and includes a CRT
Handbook which draws on EU crisis management procedures and other
documents that provide the basis for planning and conducting ESDP
missions in general.
DEVELOPMENT OF MILITARY CAPABILITIES
"Progress was made by Member States in the development
of military capabilities following the decision of EU Member States
Defence Ministers in November 2008 to launch, in varying
configurations, a number of specific operational initiatives,
and the Declaration on Strengthening Capabilities adopted by the
European Council in December 2008. A Presidency Report on Progress
in Military Capabilities reviewing the progress on capabilities
development since Defence Ministers' Military Capabilities Commitments
of November 2008 was noted by the GAERC in May.
"In May, the Council noted the Force Catalogue
2009, which reflected revised contributions from nine Member States.
The EUMS is conducting an analysis of these contributions in accordance
with the Capability Development Mechanism in order to identify
whether the changes in the MS contributions to the EU Force Catalogue
have significantly impacted on the identified military shortfalls
in the HLG 2010 process. This analysis is to be finalised by summer
2009.
"As a follow-on of the initial Capability Development
Plan (CDP), agreed in July 2008, work on the first group of twelve
selected CDP actions has started. The European Defence Agency
(EDA) and the EU Military Committee (EUMC) agreed to divide the
lead for these twelve actions between them. These actions were
addressed by them either through EDA's Integrated Development
Teams and Project Teams or through dedicated workshops with Member
States. These workshops aimed at reaching a common understanding
of the scope of these actions and identifying the relevant military
requirements. This contributes to the implementation of the Methodology
for Measuring Progress and Reviewing Priorities.
"Following the Report on Lessons Identified
from Headline Goal 2010, work to improve the EU military capability
development process has been conducted. In this regard, the First
Lessons Learned Report on the HG 2010 Process has been discussed
with a view to being finalised in June 2009.
"As foreseen in the Framework for EU military
conceptual documents, the EUMC has conducted a review of a number
of military concepts such as the Special Operations and the Military
Rapid Response concepts.
"An EUMC's Interoperability Study is being conducted,
with its final report planned for November 2009. Workshops were
held in early 2009 with subject matter experts from Member States
and relevant organisations and bodies such as NATO, the Multinational
Interoperability Council and FINABEL. This work is being conducted
in connection with the Lessons Identified from the Headline Goal
2010.
"The implementation of the EU Operations Wide
Area Network (EU OPSWAN) has been progressing satisfactorily.
Initial accreditation and operational services for SECRET EU were
provided to the EUMS and the OHQs in France, Italy, Germany, United
Kingdom and Greece. The FHQs in Sweden and Germany are being accredited
to OPSWAN. The FHQ in Italy is to be connected next year. Work
also proceeded on other improvements to the secure exchange of
information.
RAPID RESPONSE
"The revised Military Rapid Response Concept
was agreed by the EUMC in January 2009 and noted by the PSC in
April. It newly defined the military rapid response time as a
period from 5 to 30 days from the approval of the Crisis Management
Concept to the moment when operations commence in the Joint Operations
Area.
"With a view to ensuring the overall coherence
with all concepts related to rapid response, the EUMC has launched
work to update the Air and Maritime Rapid Response concepts and
to examine the possible need for a Land Rapid Response concept.
Maritime and Air Rapid Response workshops and Information Conferences
were held in March and April.
"A Battlegroup Coordination Conference was held
in April, at which Member States' offers were able to fill the
stand-by periods up to 2011. Member States were encouraged to
fill the vacant slots from 2012 onwards.
ORGANISATION DEVELOPMENT
"The final report on post-Wiesbaden measures
was agreed by the EUMC in April. This report underlines that these
measures have generated significant improvements in particular
in the EU's ability to undertake early military planning in support
of informed decision-making.
EUROPEAN DEFENCE AGENCY (EDA)
"EDA has intensified work on the practical implementation
of its strategic framework completed at the end of last year:
— Capability
Development Plan (CDP): Nine out of the first tranche of twelve
CDP priority actions have been taken forward by the Agency. For
most of the nine actions, related Strategic Context Cases for
collaborative projects within the EU have been developed.
— European Defence Research and Technology
(R&T) Strategy: Work has continued on identifying cross-links
between common R&T priorities and CDP priorities, with a view
to defining key technologies directly linked with CDP needs. Integrated
roadmaps for transversal collaborative projects have been developed
for four areas (with Maritime Mine Counter Measures, CBRN, Counter
Man-portable Air-defence Systems (MANPADS) and Counter
Improvised Explosive Devices). The implementation of the two Defence
R&T Joint Investment Programmes on Force Protection and on
ICET (Innovative Concept and Emerging Technologies) has been providing
useful experience.
— European Defence Technological and Industrial
Base (EDTIB): (i) work on identifying key industrial capabilities
to be preserved or developed in Europe has been launched in the
area of Future Air Systems, considering the European supply chain
as a whole and not just focusing on Europe's major aerospace companies;
(ii) the implementation of the Code of Conduct on Defence Procurement
through the Electronic Bulletin Board on "Government
Contracts" was considered on the whole positive, with an
increase in cross-border awarded contracts; (iii) all subscribers
to the Defence Procurement Regime will apply the Code of Conduct
on Offsets adopted last October (25 participating Member States
plus Norway) from 1 July this year — and the Reporting and
Monitoring System for the Code was approved.
— European Armaments Cooperation Strategy:
A roadmap describing the application of the Guide to conduct programme
preparation, education, best practice and standardisation was
approved.
"The Agency continued to generate collaborative
initiatives aimed at addressing the key EU shortfalls —
including in the CDP priority areas:
— Momentum
has been maintained on improving helicopters' availability. Concerning
the short-term activity (training), EDA has been preparing for
the launch — in 2010 — of the European Programme for
Helicopter Tactics Training. Its content will be shaped by the
outcome of the two EDA studies (addressing urgent operational
training for crews in pre-deployment, and landscaping the needs
and capabilities available in Europe) and the EDA-supported multinational
exercise. As for the medium term, a menu for upgrading existing
helicopters has been developed, with initial focus on Mi-Helicopters.
For the longer term — beyond 2020 — the ad hoc project
on the "Future Transport Helicopter", based on a Franco-German
initiative, has been established within the Agency's remit.
— Work on developing a European Air Transport
Fleet (EATF) has progressed. The initiative was widened from an
initially envisaged fleet into a framework for military air transport-related
aspects with modular participation. The skeleton of the Letter
of Intent was developed with a view to the signature of the latter
next November.
— The European Third Party Logistics Support
(TPLS) Platform was established, for a nine-month trial phase,
with the aim of providing a solution for improving awareness on
existing options for contracting services in support of Crisis
Management Operations.
— The MUSIS (Multinational Space-based
Imaging System) ad hoc project related to the second generation
of military earth observation satellites was established under
the Agency's remit.
— A new EDA Project Team was established
to address military requirements for Space Situational Awareness
(SSA) in order to deliver a Common Staff Target (CST) no later
than mid-2010.
— Work has developed towards the establishment
of a European Satellite Communication Procurement Cell, in the
dedicated Ad-Hoc Project Group.
— Work has continued on the definition
of military Maritime Surveillance requirements, with focus on
Networking. Furthermore, the Agency has started to prepare, in
close consultation with, notably, the European Commission, the
nomination of a 'Wise Pen' for producing a 'Maritime Surveillance
ESDP think piece' in order to contribute to an EU integrated approach.
— In order to address the European shortfall
in biological detection, identification and monitoring, a new
project (Biological Equipment Development and Enhancement
Programme — Bio EDEP) was established in EDA, with the aim
of providing the forces of those Member States participating in
this project with robust and reliable integrated biological detection,
identification and monitoring capabilities by 2015.
"The Agency was tasked to prepare, working together
with the European Commission, a framework for maximising complementarity
and synergy between defence and civilian security-related research
activities, and the content of a coordinated programme (e.g. in
the situational awareness domain).
"EDA has intensified its working relationships
with the Commission and other relevant bodies, including OCCAR
(Organisation conjointe de coopération en matière
d'armement), the European Space Agency and NATO, in accordance
with the Joint Action establishing EDA and in consultation with
the participating Member States.
"In particular, on the basis of a Steering Board
Directive to the Head of the Agency (with agreed principles),
EDA initiated the negotiations of an Administrative Arrangement
(AA) with OCCAR, with a view to submitting the draft for the Council's
approval next November. The Council endorsed the Steering Board
recommendation to take forward work on the establishment of a
Security Agreement between the EU and OCCAR, with the objective
of it being available in time for the approval of the draft AA
between the Agency and OCCAR.
"EDA was collaborating with the Council General
Secretariat on the identification of Information Exchange Requirements
(IERs).
"The Presidency organised two conferences on
topics related to the EDA: first of them entitled 'Increased Role
of SMEs in the European Defence and Security Supply Chains' was
held in Olomouc on 27 — 28 May 2009, the second one on 'European
Education and Training in Armaments Cooperation — The Way
Ahead' was conducted on 15-16 June in Prague. A Czech Presidency
seminar organised in cooperation with EDA took place in Olomouc
on 4 -5 June 2009 and its topic was 'Harmonisation of Military
Airworthiness'.
CIVIL-MILITARY COORDINATION
"Work regarding the identification of information
exchange requirements within the four-step methodology noted by
the PSC is nearing finalisation.
"Work has progressed with regard to developing
Network Enabled Capabilities (NEC) in support of ESDP. In this
context, the importance was emphasized, with a view to implementing
the NEC concept, in support of CMCO, that work be taken forward
in a gradual and incremental manner with adequate commitment at
senior level in the EU institutions and Member States.
"As part of preliminary work on a study for
implementation of NEC in support of ESDP, a supporting workshop
"NEC from a civilian perspective" was held in Council
premises on 26 May 2009.
ESDC AND TRAINING
"The annual EU Training Programme has been developed
and made available via an internet application (Schoolmaster).Training
activities in the field of ESDP of the various EU training actors
have been evaluated through the regular Comprehensive Annual Report
on Training relevant to ESDP (CART 2009).
"The European Security and Defence College (ESDC)
continued to conduct its standard training activities supported
progressively by its Internet-based Distance Learning (IDL) System.
In June, the ESDC concluded its fourth ESDP High Level Course.
Furthermore, two ESDP Orientation Courses took place in Brussels,
one in February 2009 and the second one in March 2009. In March
2009, a first joint ESDC/CEPOL seminar took place on EU decision
making and mission planning.
"Following the conduct of pilot activities in
autumn last year, the ESDC Steering Committee decided in March
2009 to organise regular courses on Security Sector Reform (SSR)
and on mission planning at strategic level in the future. It was
also decided that the college will address high-ranking staff
and decision-makers with a second pilot ESDP Leadership and Decision-Making
Seminar organised in Brussels.
"The ESDC continued its fruitful cooperation
with other training actors. Initial ideas have been presented
to further increase this cooperation in line with the ESDC Steering
Committee recommendations approved by the Council in December
2008.
"As regards the "European initiative on
the exchange of young officers inspired by Erasmus" of November
2008, significant progress has been presented by the SG/HR in
May in his report to Defence Ministers. An Implementation Group
was established in the framework of the ESDC Executive Academic
Board and had its first two meetings in Brussels on 19 February
2009 and in Brno on 21 and 22 April 2009. The latter was conducted
in the form of a working seminar organised by the Czech Presidency.
The Implementation Group focused first on a set of "Quick
Wins" and the timelines for the development of the initiative.
In parallel, and with the support of the University of Liège,
work started on a detailed stocktaking aiming at creating an analysis
of the different national military educational systems, including
the situation on existing exchanges between military academies
of Member States. Finally, other actions have been identified
including the Presidency's proposal to look into the EU Lifelong
Learning Programme for 2007-2014 with the aim of exploring the
potential offered by existing EU programmes, including their financial
resources.
"As regards the future format of the ESDC, work
is ongoing on the elaboration of a new Council Decision evolving
the European Security and Defence College in line with the ESDC
Steering Committee recommendations approved by Council in December 2008.
´
"All on-going ESDP Missions have continued with
their regular training activities in the area of civilian crisis
management. Particular attention has been paid to the training
for EULEX Kosovo personnel in connection with its gradual deployment
to Kosovo. While Member States are responsible for pre-mission
mission specific training, the EULEX Training Team has been organising
a short in-mission induction training as well as follow-on in-service
training. The induction training plays a crucial role in addressing
the possible gaps of training provided to different groups of
civilian personnel prior to their deployment to Kosovo. For this
reason a significant effort was made by EULEX Training Team in
this area."
EXERCISES
"The European Union Exercise Programme 2010
to 2014 was approved by the Council on 9 June 2009. This five-year
programme aims to provide a significant basis for the training
and reinforcement of the EU's capabilities to manage crises, aiming
to reflect the different training needs of the various ESDP instruments
involved.
"The Council welcomed the successful conduct
of the exercise CME 08 and the fact that the majority of its objectives
were achieved. The comprehensive evaluation process for the EU
Crisis Management Exercise CME 08 was successfully concluded.
The exercise was a complex undertaking, with the key focus of
exercising the EU's comprehensive approach to crisis management,
involving a wide array of instruments, civilian and military.
"Final preparations are under way for the conduct
of the fourth EU Military Exercise MILEX 09, scheduled to take
place from 17 to 26 June 2009. The OHQ at Larissa will be
activated during the exercise for the first time which will enable
it to reach its full operational capability as one of the five
national OHQ's contributed to the Force Catalogue.
"The preparatory work for the EU crisis management
exercise CME 09, which will involve the EU Operations Centre and
the CPCC in the context of an appropriate scenario requiring EU
rapid response to the crisis, has continued. The main planning
meeting is planned to take place from 29 June to 1 July 2009."
COOPERATION WITH INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS, MEDITERRANEAN
PARTNERS AND THIRD STATES
European Union-United Nations
"EU-UN Cooperation in crisis management is an
important component of ESDP.
"On 18 May 2009 the Council welcomed the further
progress in implementation of the 2007 Joint Statement on UN-EU
Co-operation in Crisis Management through a series of concrete
steps taken, inter alia, in the field of reinforced dialogue (including
regular consultations between the PSC and senior UN officials),
on SSR, African peacekeeping capabilities, and the multidimensional
aspects of peacekeeping.
"The Council also noted that consultations continued
in other areas of cooperation between the two organisations, such
as early warning, training and exercises, planning and arrangements
between the EU and UN for transition between operations and encouraged
these efforts to be developed further.
"Following the successful transition from EUFOR
Tchad/RCA to MINURCAT, close cooperation and coordination also
continued between the two organisations in other theatres of operation
in which they are both engaged, notably Kosovo, Afghanistan, the
Democratic Republic of the Congo, Guinea-Bissau, Somalia and Georgia.
"On 21 May 2009, the Presidency organised a
seminar on "Enhancing EU-UN cooperation in Crises Management:
Focus on Security Sector Reform" in New York.
"The agenda of EU-UN co-operation in crisis
management was discussed by the relevant EU committees.
"The regular meeting of the EU-UN Steering Committee
will be held on 24 and 25 June."
European Union-NATO
"The Council in May recalled the objective of
strengthening the EU-NATO strategic partnership, in a spirit of
mutual reinforcement and respect for their decisionmaking
autonomy. It noted NATO's statement in the Strasbourg-Kehl Summit
Declaration concerning the importance of a stronger and more capable
European defence and welcoming the EU's efforts to strengthen
its capabilities and its capacity to address common security challenges.
The Council particularly stressed the importance of efficient
operational cooperation between the EU and NATO, in particular
concerning theatres in which the two organisations are both committed.
In this context, the close dialogue between the SG/HR and NATO SG
was welcomed. Berlin plus arrangements have proven to be effective
and efficient, as demonstrated by Operation ALTHEA. The Council
reiterated the necessity to continue to further exploit the approved
framework for association of non-EU European Allies with the ESDP,
in accordance with EU procedures.
"The need for continued cooperation with NATO
regarding the development of military capabilities was underlined
by the Council. In this regard, it welcomed the efforts to make
the best use of the EU-NATO Capability Group, within the agreed
framework, where requirements overlapped. The EUNATO Capability
Group has contributed to transparency between the two organisations
in accordance with the Capability Development Mechanism (CDM).
With the participation of senior policy-makers from the capitals,
as envisaged by the CDM, the Capability Group discussed issues
regarding the coherence of capability planning processes and operational
availability of helicopters, supported with a number of non-papers
delivered in advance by several nations to all Member States.
A single issue meeting with national experts was dedicated to
unmanned aerial vehicles.
"Before the Capability Group meetings, all Member
States discussed in detail the agenda items and were briefed accordingly
after these meetings. As recognised by the Council, in order to
continue improving coherence, mutually reinforcing development
of military capabilities and transparency, further efforts are
needed to ensure effective working methods of the Capability Group,
while the participation of all the EU Member States would further
facilitate exchange of information in the field of military capabilities.
"Cooperation between EU and NATO has continued
to be fostered on coherent capabilities development where requirements
overlap. The Council noted with satisfaction that staff-to-staff
technical contacts between EU and NATO experts were established
in order to advance the development of a common Information Gathering
tool accessible to all Member States, based on the NATO Defence
Planning Automated Software System under specific conditions relating
to the decision-making autonomy of both organisations.
"In May the Council welcomed continuing efforts
to ensure transparency and coherence between the EU and NATO,
including through PSC-NAC meetings, EU and NATO Military Committee
meetings as well as meetings with non-EU European NATO members
and other candidate countries to the EU. The Council also welcomed
the regular staff to staff meetings on issues of common interest
and underlined the importance for the PSC to continue being regularly
informed.
EU-Africa — Partnership on Peace and Security
"The political dialogue continued with regular
meetings between the EU and Africa at various levels, including
the intervention of the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security
Lamamra to the EU PSC, on a number of issues, including inter
alia on the new Somali Government and the Somali Security Sector.
A joint EU/AU-ECCAS mission took place to monitor the security
situation in the Central African Republic in close connection
with the MICOPAX (Mission de consolidation de la paix en RCA).
The initiating seminar on the support to AU mediation capacity
was held in March in Addis Ababa. Consultations were held inter
alia on EU-AU support to the new Somali Government and the Somali
Security Sector. These actions were complemented by a joint EU-AU-UN
roundtable, organised in New York pursuant to UNSCR 1325 and 1820,
and the AU-EU Task Force meeting in Brussels.
"Regarding the reinforcement of the APSA, the
EuroRecamp-Amani Africa cycle continued with the Contributors
Conference, the Initiating Planning Conference and the Senior
Decision-Makers Seminar. Furthermore, a joint study to prepare
for a European support programme for African Training capabilities,
including through defining early deliverables in the field of
civilian and police training, was launched in February. The EU
has provided requested expertise to the Strategic Planning Management
Unit.
"With the recent agreement on the terms of reference
between the AU and a donors' representative, a comprehensive mapping
of the overall APSA capacity building needs and gaps will be conducted.
"Finally, the Common Interactive Watch and Anticipation
Mechanism endorsed by the EU-AU Ministerial Troika of 20 November
2008 has been taken forward: a meeting between the EU and the
AU in Ispra (Joint Research Centre) has built upon ongoing technical
cooperation and training activities.
"Building on the report from AU/UN Panel chaired
by Mr. Prodi, discussions on predictable, flexible and sustainable
funding for African-led Peace Support Operations continued in
the AU-EU Joint Expert Group.
Cooperation with EUROPOL
"Work on mechanisms for cooperation between
civilian ESDP missions and EUROPOL continued following the signing
on 18 July 2008 of an arrangement between the Secretary-General/High
Representative for the CFSP and the Director of EUROPOL on the exchange
of strategic information, leading to the implementation of the
exchange of strategic data between EUROPOL and ESDP Missions through
GSC in March 2009. The Council subsequently invited Member States,
in close cooperation with EUROPOL and the Council General Secretariat,
to examine ways of exchanging personal data. This exchange process,
between EULEX and EUROPOL through a number of supporting EUROPOL
National Units, is nearing finalisation. The Council also invited
the Council General Secretariat and EUROPOL to conduct a joint
assessment of the implementation of the mechanisms which is to
be conducted during June 2009.
COOPERATION WITH THIRD STATES
"The European Union continued the close cooperation
in ESDP crisis management with the nonEU European NATO
members and countries which are candidates for accession to the
EU, and with Canada, the United States, Russia, Ukraine and other
third states. Non-EU European NATO members and countries which
are candidates for accession to the EU met regularly with the
PSC and the EUMC regarding the development of European Union military
operations.
"Dialogue and cooperation with Mediterranean
partners in the area of ESDP has continued. Several of them have
participated in operations and training activities run by the
European Union.
"An informal meeting was held between members
of the PSC and non-EU NATO members and countries which are candidates
for accession (Canada, Croatia, FYROM, Iceland, Norway, Turkey
and the United States) in Brussels on 17 March 2009. That meeting
took place fully respecting the modalities agreed by the PSC on
3 October 2008.
"Many third-country participants also took part
in two ESDP Orientation Courses organised by the European Security
and Defence College in Brussels from 2 to 6 February and
from 2 to 5 March 2009.
"Several third states continued to take part
in the ALTHEA military operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina (Albania,
Chile, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Switzerland
and Turkey). Albania, Croatia and Russia participated in the EUFOR
Tchad/RCA operation.
"In the context of ATALANTA several third states
have announced their willingness to participate. Norway is already
involved and will contribute to ATALANTA with naval assets."
Conclusion
8.17 Although this report raises no questions
per se, we are reporting it to the House because of the
widespread interest in European Security and Defence Policy.
8.18 Elsewhere in this Report we consider the
annual report of the Council to the European Parliament on Common
Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), where we summarise recent
discussion with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office concerning
scrutiny of CFSP and EDSP issues.[34]
8.19 In the meantime, we now clear the document.
Annex 1: Mandate for The Swedish
Presidency
"On the basis of this report and taking into
account the European Security Strategy, the incoming Presidency,
assisted by the Secretary-General/High Representative (SG/HR)
and in association with the Commission, is asked to continue work
on developing the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP),
and in particular:
- To
prepare decisions on current and future missions and operations,
civilian as well as military and to ensure their effective implementation
and lessons learned processes;
- To
continue to develop civilian capabilities in the comprehensive
framework of the Civilian Headline Goal 2010, notably to ensure
follow-up to the initiatives on the enhanced effectiveness of
civilian crisis management on the basis of key operational aspects
outlined in the document "Operational aspects of Civilian
ESDP capabilities-follow up to Gymnich in Hluboka", and taking
into account the priorities in the "Traffic Lights"
paper;
- To
continue work on contributing personnel in line with the commitments
made at the European Council of December 2008 as well as building
upon the findings of the seminar on national strategies on 11th
of June 2009;
- To
explore synergies between ESDP and Justice and Home Affairs, including
by highlighting the mutual operational benefit in the fight against
organised crime, developing information sharing between ESDP missions
and EUROPOL and by strengthening the involvement of JHA ministers
and relevant national authorities;
- To
continue to enhance and strengthen mission support to enable the
European Union to respond adequately to crises, including by using
preparatory measures, improving the timely provision of equipment
by developing work on framework contracts and work on a warehouse
concept;
- To
make further progress on the arrangements for planning in order
to ensure rapid deployment of personnel and equipment, including
a review of the concept of CRT in order to make it more usable
and comprehensive in terms of personnel categories;
- To
promote the development of civilian lessons learned processes
through adoption of the Annual Report on Lessons Learned in November
2009, in view of achieving continuous learning;
- To
continue on-going work within the context of military Headline
Goal 2010. Encourage the European Defence Agency (EDA), in close
cooperation with the European Union Military Committee (EUMC),
to take forward the work on the agreed actions from the Capability
Development Plan;
- To
support EDA's efforts to generate and develop cooperative projects
and programmes in the fields of capability, research and technology
and armaments; and to encourage the agency, in close cooperation
with the European Commission, to work towards increased synergies
between defence and civilian security-related research activities;
- To
support the implementation of strategies adopted: the European
Defence Research and Technology Strategy, the European Armaments
Cooperation Strategy and the European Defence Technological and
Industrial Base Strategy.
- To
follow up, on the basis of a proposal of the Head of the Agency,
the establishment of a three-year financial framework and a budget
for 2010 for EDA;
- To
prepare Council decisions for approving the draft EDA/OCCAR administrative
arrangement, on the basis of a proposal by the Head of the Agency,
as well as an EU/OCCAR security agreement;
- To
explore possible synergies and coherence between the EU civilian
and military capability development processes;
- To
promote increased usability and flexibility of the EU Battlegroups
as instruments for crisis management;
- To
support a close and transparent cooperation between civilian and
military actors/systems in the field of maritime surveillance;
- To
strengthen training in the field of ESDP, encompassing both civilian
and military dimensions, in particular through the European Security
and Defence College (ESDC) and taking into account national activities
as well as the Community instruments;
- To
continue to support the initiative of promoting the exchange of
young officers inspired by Erasmus;
- To
continue to promote an EU comprehensive approach to conflict prevention
and crisis management in ESDP, in line with ESDP agreed guidelines
and commitments, and to ensure the effective implementation of
human rights aspects;
- To
take forward work on the basis of the document "Implementation
of UNSCR 1325 as reinforced by UNSCR 1820 in the context of ESDP",
especially in relation to training;
- To
take forward work to develop the EU capacity on mediation and
dialogue, within the broader context of CFSP and as part of the
implementation of the European Security Strategy and the EU Conflict
Prevention programme;
- To
develop the work on the ESDP contribution to Security Sector Reform
(SSR), in particular through the establishment of a pool of experts
and by taking forward work on training initiatives and an EU assessment
tool for SSR;
- To
take forward work on an Action Plan for security and development
as a follow-up to the Council Decision of November 2007;
- To
take forward work on climate change and security as a follow-up
to Council Decision of December 2008;
- To
continue to implement the European Union exercise programme, including
post exercise reporting of MILEX 09, planning and conduct of CME09,
and the start of planning for CME/CMX 10 and for MILEX 10 exercises;
- On
the basis of the "Joint Statement on EU-UN Cooperation in
crisis management", continue to promote consultations and
cooperation with United Nations in the field of crisis management;
- To
enhance the EU-NATO strategic partnership in crisis management,
to ensure effective and practical coordination where the two organisations
are engaged in the same theatre; to ensure the mutually reinforcing
development of capabilities where requirements overlap, including
through exchange of information in the EU-NATO Capability Group;
to continue the implementation of the existing framework of cooperation
between the EU and NATO;
- Ø On
the basis of the Africa-EU Joint Strategy and the Action Plan
(2008-2010), continue to strengthening the strategic partnership
between the EU and Africa, including the African Union (AU), in
the area of African capabilities for the prevention, management
and resolution of conflicts;
- To
maintain close cooperation and dialogue on crisis management also
with other key partners, in particular the OSCE, the States that
are candidates for accession to the EU, the non-EU European NATO-members,
Canada, Russia, Switzerland, Ukraine, the United States and the
Mediterranean partners of the Union for the Mediterranean;
- To
take forward the dialogue and cooperation with NGOs and civil
society in the framework of crisis management and conflict prevention.
32 The "Petersberg tasks" constitute an integral
part of ESDP and are set out in Article 17 EU. They cover: humanitarian
and rescue tasks; peace-keeping tasks; tasks of combat forces
in crisis management, including peacemaking. These tasks were
set out in the Petersberg Declaration adopted at the Ministerial
Council of the Western European Union (WEU) in June 1992. On that
occasion, the WEU Member States declared their readiness to make
available to the WEU, but also to NATO and the European Union,
military units from the whole spectrum of their conventional armed
forces Back
33
Reproduced at Annex 1 of this chapter of this Report. Back
34
See chapter 7 of this Report. Back
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