(2004/C 70 E/116)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-2589/03

by Philip Claeys (NI) to the Council

(8 August 2003)

Subject:   Possible follow-up to the ‘defence summit’ held in Brussels in April 2003

In late April 2003 in Brussels, at the invitation of the Belgian Government, something akin to a defence policy summit was held involving only France, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium itself. According to the participants, the talks were being held with the ultimate aim of strengthening the European pillar of NATO. A core set of collective capabilities was to be developed and by 2004 at the latest strategic headquarters were to be set up at the Panquin Barracks in Tervuren.

What is the precise status of these decisions?

Have the proposals drawn up by the above-mentioned Member States since been discussed further in the presence of the other Member States? If so, what was the outcome of those talks?

Does the Council have a timetable for possible talks on the development of a core set of collective military capabilities?

Has the Council taken steps to ensure the availability of the Panquin Barracks? Have practical arrangements been made with a view to financing the process of making this facility operational?

Reply

(5 December 2003)

As the meeting referred to by the Honourable Member was not held within the legal framework of the European Union, it is not for the Council to comment on the status of any decisions taken at that meeting. Likewise, the Council does not have a timetable for talks on developing a ‘core set of military capabilities’.

However, the proposals made at that meeting were presented to the Council in May 2003 by the participants.

The issue of military capabilities is regularly on the Council agenda.