Annex 2: letter of 2 August 2013 from the Minister
for Europe (Mr David Lidington) concerning the Common Security
and Defence Policy (CSDP) and the December 2013 European Council
"The UK was instrumental in shaping the agenda
for DEC13. We remain clear that NATO is the cornerstone of our
defence and that the EU has a complementary and useful role in
building security overseas where EU nations share an interest,
such as in Somalia and Mali. Whilst we support such efforts, it
is important to ensure that the EU avoids costly new bureaucracy
and institution building, and only acts where it is best placed
to do so and adds most value. I am satisfied that the agenda for
DEC13 is consistent with this.
"The discussion on defence at DEC13 is set against
the backdrop of generally declining defence budgets within the
EU coupled with an increasingly unpredictable global security
picture. The UK, and increasingly the US, want to encourage Europeans
to take greater responsibility for global security through both
NATO and the EU. We are clear that the EU must avoid duplicating
NATO and play to its own strengths, building on its growing expertise
in tackling conflict and its causes using a range of civilian
and military means, including CSDP as necessary. We want Europeans
to work together more efficiently to strengthen both civilian
and military intervention capabilities whether they are deployed
via NATO or the EU. As you will understand, we are still preparing
the details of our position for the Council. However, I can set
out our three broad objectives.
"CSDP Effectiveness and Impact: We want
the EU to adopt practical measures to improve the management and
delivery of CSDP missions using existing institutions. This includes
smarter, more joined up planning processes and improved procurement,
administration and working practices. These changes would improve
the practical implementation of the 'Comprehensive Approach' to
crisis management.
"Capabilities: We want a renewed commitment
to strengthening European capabilities and increasing cooperation
for the benefit of both the EU and NATO. Nations should work together,
and with other interested partners, in order to improve the availability
and efficiency of high value capabilities.
"European Defence Industry: We want the
UK to be at the heart of an innovative, open and competitive European
defence manufacturing and service sector that is capable of providing
battle-winning capabilities and better value for money while boosting
long-term economic growth. We also want a range of actions that
improves overall efficiency, supports innovative SMEs and maximises
the value of R&D spending. It is also important that we avoid
any protectionist measures.
"I expect to receive Baroness Ashton's formal
proposals for the DEC13 discussion on defence in September and
I will share this with you as soon as possible. If the document
itself is classified, I shall provide a summary with as much detail
as I can. You may also wish to note that we expect preparations
for DEC13 to be discussed at the Gymnich on 6-7 September and
both October and November FACs. These discussions will feed into
Herman Van Rompuy's recommendations for DEC13 which are due in
November.
"Baroness Ashton's 2013 review of the European
External Action Service (EEAS) issued on 26 July. There is some
read across between that report and the DEC13 proposals. I will
write to you separately on the EEAS review in due course. From
a CSDP perspective, the EEAS review is an opportunity to advance
implementation of the 'Comprehensive Approach' and help deliver
a more efficient and coherent EU response to crises. Of course,
any changes would need to be consistent with our objectives of
avoiding cost increases and institutional growth.
"You may also be aware of a report by the Commission
Task Force on the defence industry published on the 24 July. The
Ministry of Defence will be writing to you separately on this
issue. While the Report includes helpful proposals to inform thinking
on the defence industry ahead of DEC13, we also have concerns
in some areas. We will be working to avoid extension of competence
on the part of the Commission, unwarranted Commission intervention
in defence markets, and Commission activity that could duplicate
activity better led by others.
"I will continue to update you as we approach
the December European Council."
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