Forsvarsudvalget 2010-11 (1. samling), Det Udenrigspolitiske Nævn 2010-11 (1. samling)
FOU Alm.del Bilag 50, UPN Alm.del Bilag 50
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COUNCIL OFTHE EUROPEAN UNION
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Council conclusions on Military Capability Development3055th Foreign Affairs (Defence) Council meetingBrussels, 9 December 2010
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
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"The Council stressed the need to turn the financial crisis and its impact on national defencebudgets into an opportunity, to give a new impetus to European military capabilitydevelopment in order to meet its level of ambition, to address remaining shortfalls and tosafeguard the defence capabilities required to support the EU’s Common Security andDefence Policy (CSDP) as well as to achieve national capability targets, while avoidingunnecessary duplication between Member States.Building on existing processes, the Council highlighted in particular the following solutions:
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Cooperation as a force multiplier3.The Council encouraged Member States to exchange information, as appropriate, and enhancetransparency on current and forthcoming defence budget cuts, and to examine the impact ofthese budget cuts on capability development.With a view to strengthening military capabilities in Europe for sustaining and enhancingCSDP, the Council called on Member States to seize all opportunities to cooperate in the areaof capability development. It particularly stressed the need to develop pooling and sharingoptions, building on successful multilateral examples such as the European Air TransportCommand launched in September 2010, and to explore role specialisation.
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The Council welcomed the input by the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the German-Swedish initiative as contributions to the follow-up to the informal meeting of DefenceMinisters in Ghent (September 2010). It encouraged Member States to systematically analysetheir national military capabilities and support structures, taking into to account criteria suchas operational effectiveness, economic efficiency and sustainability. This would form thebasis for Member States to consider: measures to increase interoperability for capabilities tobe maintained on a national level; exploring which capabilities offer potential for pooling;intensifying cooperation regarding capabilities, support structures and tasks which could beaddressed on the basis of role- and task-sharing.The Council encouraged the EDA to intensify its work to facilitate the identification of areasfor pooling and sharing, including potentially through the establishment of a Wise Pen Team,taking into account the diversity of experiences across the Member States, and to supportMember States in their voluntary efforts to implement pooling and sharing initiatives. TheCouncil underlined that such a Wise Pen Team would rely on an active engagement of theparticipating Member States.The Council tasked the Political and Security Committee to remain seized of this matter, andagreed to examine progress by mid 2011.In this context the Council also noted the existing bilateral and multilateral initiatives and thesignature of agreements between Member States, such as the recent UK-France DefenceCooperation Treaty, which promise to contribute to improving European defence capabilities.These initiatives should help create a dynamic for stimulating further opportunities forcooperation between the Member States.
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Civil-military synergies9.The Council underlined the potential benefits of developing civil-military synergies incapability development and the added-value of dual use capabilities. In this regard, itemphasized the need for further cooperation between the European Defence Agency and theEuropean Commission, notably in research and technology.With a view to avoiding unnecessary costs and duplication, the Council underlined the needfor the Member States and other relevant EU actors, to channel as appropriate militaryrequirements, standards and other ongoing developments to those civilian bodies whoseactivities may have implications for the defence community.
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EU-NATO cooperation in capability development11.The Council reiterated the need for continuing to develop cooperation with NATO regardingthe development of military capabilities, adhering to the principles of inclusiveness andautonomy of decision-making. The Council welcomed progress in the areas of Counter-Improvised Explosive Devices and Medical Support, two essential domains for the protectionand sustainability of troops. It looked forward to the rapid implementation of the proposalsand stressed the need to continue staff-to-staff contacts on capability development, with aview to identifying possible additional areas of concrete cooperation under the politicalguidance of the PSC, the outcomes of which will be available to all Member States.
Potential of the Lisbon Treaty12.The Council underlined the need to take advantage of the post-Lisbon context, including theestablishment of the European External Action Service, as a catalyst for reinforcingcoordination leading to a better and more coherent utilization of resources. Possibilities forthe use of Permanent Structured Cooperation shall be explored in order to enhance defencecapabilities with a view to strengthen the EU’s ability to respond to crises.
Way ahead13.The Council invited the High Representative to take forward work on these solutions,cooperating closely with Member States through the Political and Security Committee, theEU Military Committee and the EDA, and in consultation with relevant stakeholders. TheCouncil invited the High Representative to present a report on the state of play by mid 2011."
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