Informal meeting of the defence ministers: focus on the reinforcement of military capabilities

The reinforcement of European military capacities is the subject which Hervé Morin, the French defence minister, has chosen as the focus for the informal meeting with his EU counterparts he is chairing in Deauville (Centre international de Deauville, Palais des Congrès) on 1 and 2 October. In view of the ever-increasing demands with regard to operations, the need for modern, robust, flexible and interoperable capabilities is recognised by all.

The informal meeting in Deauville aims to facilitate examination of the major projects for the most-advanced capabilities that Europe needs, i.e. helicopters, the prospect of a European fleet of transport planes, aeronautic cooperation, spatial observation and various research and technology projects, such as drones (aircraft without pilots). The objective is to identify which Member States are prepared to participate in each of these projects. This approach is designed to allow each country to participate in the reinforcement of European capabilities, in keeping with its own interests and means.

Also on the agenda are broader, more prospective talks on how to beef up the production of European military capacities and streamline efforts made in this area. In addition to the Capacity Development Plan spearheaded by the European Defence Agency, the defence ministers are discussing new solutions, exploring, for example, the rationale of pooling or specialising production to optimise the European defence industry.

The ministers are also set to address the issue of "the Europe of Defence and the citizens" and hold initial talks on the joint training project for officers, inspired by the ERASMUS program.

Other issues for examination include how to improve the action of military assets for maritime surveillance and the evacuation of nationals, areas in which European citizens have high expections.

A meeting between a hundred-odd students and pupils in Normandy was held prior to this work session to launch an open debate about defence and the European project.

Lastly, the defence ministers are scheduled to discuss the ongoing military operations over a working lunch, in the presence of the EUFOR Chad/RCA operation commander and the operation commander of Althea, in Bosnia, in a first exchange of views aimed at addressing the management and outlook of these operations.

Interview with Hervé Morin, French Minister for Defence (Video, FR)

Interview with Alexander Weis, the Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency (Video, FR)

Informal meeting of the defence ministers: significant advances on several dossiers (Report)

• Updated: 23.12.2008

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