Annex: Background section of the 8 May 2015 EU
statement on cooperation in defence and security
"The contribution of the European Commission
and the High Representative to upcoming discussions by Ministers
(18 May) and Heads of State and Government (25 June), is two-fold:
· "A
joint report which provides
an update on the EU's progress in promoting a European Defence
and Technological Industrial Base, most notably in the areas of
the internal market, research and industrial policies; and
· "A
second report signed by High Representative
and Head of the European Defence Agency Federica Mogherini, which
presents an overview on the EU's activities in security and defence
since December 2013 and makes initial proposals to increase the
effectiveness, impact and visibility of the CSDP.
"The reports contribute to the ongoing debate
by defining strategic objectives and providing further guidance
on the EU's actions in its Common Security and Defence Policy.
Ahead of the June European Council, they form a package together
with the recently adopted "Joint Communication on capacity-building
in support of security and development" through which the
Commission and the High Representative propose options to further
help partner countries in preventing and managing crises.
"Internal market and industry policy
"On
30 March 2015, El¿bieta Bieñkowska launched a
high level group of politicians, academics, think tankers and
defence company CEOs to advise on how the EU can support research
related to the Common Security and Defence Policy. The list of members of the high-level group
is available online. The creation of the group follows the conclusions
of the December 2013 European Council calling for the creation
of a so-called Preparatory Action — a term used to describe
the testing of a new policy approach requiring financial resources
— linked to defence research outside Horizon 2020. These
resources could for instance stimulate further research into technologies
of dual use (for civil and defence purposes) such as drones.
"Commissioner
Bieñkowska is also supporting the EU's
industrial defence base by ensuring the effective implementation
of the EU legislation in the area of defence (Directives on defence procurement
and on EU transfers of defence-related products). A genuine internal
market for defence procurement which takes the specificities of
defence into account should also include support to defence-related
SMEs to access business opportunities across borders.
"EU missions and operations
"The EU has a comprehensive approach towards
crisis management, drawing on civilian and military assets. Through
the Common Security and Defence Policy the EU engages in peace-keeping
operations, conflict prevention and the strengthening of international
security. Since 2003 the EU has launched some 30 peace missions and operations
contributing to stabilisation and security in Europe, Africa,
the Middle East and Asia.
"At present, there are nine civilian and five
military CSDP missions.
"Capabilities
"To adapt to rapidly-evolving security challenges
and contribute to the security of its citizens, the EU needs to
be able to rely on civilian and military capabilities that can
plug into a rapid, efficient and coherent response.
"Member States have committed to making such
capabilities available for the implementation of CSDP. The report
by the HRVP/Head of the European Defence Agency (EDA) highlights
that generating capabilities is both a priority and a challenge.
The HRVP commits to starting a strategic debate with Member States
on force generation for civilian missions and mainstreaming defence
cooperation.
"The report also looks at practical and high-potential
projects in critical capability areas, such as cyber defence,
drones deployable to improve air traffic, satellite communications,
and air-to-air refuelling capacity."
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