European Policy on Security and Defence

Résumé du livre

This report considers the progress made towards the implementation of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). This initiative was launched in December 1999 by EU governments to develop an European capability to deploy military forces outside EU borders. A target was set for the creation by 2003 of a rapid reaction force of about 60,000 troops for international operations. Although the ESDP also contains proposals for civilian police operations, this report focuses on the military aspects of the policy. The report draws a number of conclusions including 1) progress is being made towards establishing elements of an effective EU reaction force, although a number of issues need to be addressed if it is to be fully effective in the near future, regarding inadequate command mechanisms, the participation of Turkey, standards of training, gaps in military capabilities, and parliamentary accountability; 2) EU governments will need to increase defence expenditure in real terms if capabilities are to match the objectives of the ESDP, with the role of Germany of critical importance to its overall success; 3) the EU must not lead an operation before it has achieved the full range of capabilities necessary or before it can rely on the assistance of NATO; 4) ultimately, the ESDP needs American political and practical support in order to succeed. (Please note: the volume of oral and written evidence taken by the Committee is available separately (HL Paper 71 (II), ISBN: 0104420421).