Mini Summit focuses on increasing defence co-operation, April 2003

Leaders from Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Germany agreed on 29 April 2003 on plans for enhanced co-operation in the defence field in a seven point strategy aimed at strengthening Europe's Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) and reducing the continent's military dependence on the United States.

Gathered in Brussels on the initiative of the Belgian government, the leaders discussed ways of giving new 'impetus to the construction of a Europe of security and defence' in the context of the recent divisions over the Iraq crisis, the planned enlargement of the EU in 2004 and the current discussions in the European Convention about the future of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy and Defence Policy.

Even though the mini defence summit brought together those leaders who were particularly anti-war and excluded the United Kingdom, the EU's most important military power, the four leaders maintained that they are committed to NATO and the Transatlantic partnership. In a joint statement issued at the end of the summit, they said:

'The transatlantic partnership remains an essential strategic priority for Europe. This partnership is a necessary condition for security and world peace. Expanding on the Declaration of the Washington Summit, we wish to pursue the adaptation of the Atlantic Alliance, which remains the funding of the collective security of its members, to the challenges of the 21st century. We are determined to implement the decisions of the Prague Summit for we consider our commitments within the Atlantic Alliance and the European Union as being complementary'.

The summit focussed on two key areas: ideas to enhance European Security and Defence Policy and specific joint measures that could be taken in the military field. The leaders agreed on several ideas concerning ESDP, which are to be presented to the European Convention for approval. They included:

• The possibility of setting up enhanced co-operation in the field of defence

• A general clause of solidarity and common security binding all Member States of the European Union and making it possible to face all kind of risks concerning the European Union

• Reformulating the Petersburg Missions so that the EU can use civilian and military means in order to prevent conflicts and manage crises, including the most demanding missions

• Establishing a European agency for development and acquisition of military capabilities

• Creating a European Security and Defence College in order to favour the spreading of a European security culture

The concept of a European Security and Defence Union which those Member States 'ready to go faster and further in strengthening their defence co-operation' could join, was also proposed at the mini-summit. The four leaders proposed that Member States who signed up to the concept would be agreeing to systematically aim at harmonising their positions on security and defence issues, to commit themselves to providing mutual help whatever the risks and to developing their military capabilities together.

With regard to the military field, the leaders agreed on seven specific initiatives intended to bring their 'national defence instruments further together':

1. Establish a nucleus rapid reaction capability around the Franco-German brigade in which Belgian commando elements and Luxembourg reconnaissance elements would be integrated.
2. Establish a European command for strategic air transport by June 2004 at the latest.
3. Create a joint European NBC protection capability in charge of the protection of both civilians and troops, which are deployed within the framework of European operations.
4. Create a European system for first humanitarian aid during disasters, enabling the European union to combine civilian and military assets to provide emergency humanitarian aid within 24 hours.
5. Establish European training centres
6. Strengthening European capabilities with regard to operational planning and conducting operations
7. Establish a multinational deployable force headquarters for joint operations not later than 2004

The proposals met with a lukewarm reaction from other EU Member States. Italy and Spain expressed strong reservations to the initiative whilst the United Kingdom urged the four countries not to disturb the harmony between the European Union and NATO. The United States was particularly critical; according to the BBC US Secretary of State Colin Powell said the US saw no need for the proposed new EU military command, saying:

What we need is not more headquarters. What we need is more capability and fleshing out of the structure and the forces that are already there.

Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg have been particularly criticised for talking about strengthening military capabilities when none of them seem prepared to increase their defence spending. Indeed, Germany continues to cut its defence budget and Belgium and Luxembourg have yet to restructure their armed forces.

The proposals are expected to be discussed at the next Council meeting of European foreign ministers in Greece at the beginning of May. This would be followed by a more detailed presentation of the ideas at the European Council meeting in Thessaloniki in June 2003.

Links:
The Belgian Government: Foreign Affairs
	29.04.03:	European Defence Meeting: Conclusions
European Sources Online: Financial Times:
	29.04.03:	Defence plan could rival NATO
	30.04.03:	NATO is the 'glue' holding together the transatlantic relationship, says Powell
	30.04.03:	EU leaders unveil plan for central military HQ
	29.04.03:	Brussels defence meeting 'is not anti-US'
	28.04.03:	France and Germany seek to water down European defence plan
BBC News Online
	29.04.03:	Challenges for EU's defence 'rebels'
	29.04.03:	'Euro-defence' plans under fire
Bertelsmann Foundation
	The four-nation security summit: having the courage to embark on the European Defence Union now
European Sources Online: In Focus
	Belgium pushes for 'enhanced co-operation' in the field of defence, March 2003
	What future for the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy after the Iraq crisis?, March 2003

Helen Bower

Compiled: Wednesday, 30 April 2003

Leaders from Belgium, France, Luxembourg and Germany agreed on 29 April 2003 on plans for enhanced co-operation in the defence field in a seven point strategy aimed at strengthening Europe's Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).