The European Parliament adopted a resolution the implementation of the European Security Strategy (ESS) in the context of the ESDP , based on the own-initiative report drafted by Karl von WOGAU (EPP-ED, DE) . The resolution was adopted by 414 votes in favour to 117 against with 12 abstentions . (Please see the summary dated 05/10/2006.)

The Council adopted the following conclusions on developments relating to ESDP:

Civilian Capabilities : The Council attaches considerable importance to the continued efforts of the civilian ESDP missions, demand for which continues to grow. As a result further support was given to the objectives set out in the “Civilian Headline Goal 2008.” Further, the Council welcomed the Civilian Capabilities Improvement Conference; the Ministerial Declaration and the 2006 Progress Report.

Military capabilities : The Council noted with satisfaction progress on a qualitative approach to capability planning as set out in the “Headline Goal 2010”. It also made note of the Force Catalogue 2006, which sets out the capabilities and required capabilities of the Member Stats’ forces. The forces contribution of the acceding members are presented in supplement to the FC 06. A further supplement to the FC06 will include contributions from non-EU European NATO members and of other countries which are EU member candidates. In 2007, a Progress Catalogue, containing a comprehensive assessment of EU military capabilities and capacity will be finalised.

Rapid Reaction: By January 2007, the EU will be capable of undertaking two battle group size operations for the purposes of a rapid response. This will include the ability to launch two such operations simultaneously. The Council noted with satisfaction that the Member States have fulfilled the required commitments up to and including 2008 and look forward to additional offers for solving the vacant slot in the first half of 2009. On the matter of a maritime dimension to the ESDP, the Council noted the ongoing work on the EU maritime forces in ESDP missions and their use in a rapid response capacity. Beyond the framework of Rapid Response,, the Council welcomed the on-going work on the interlinked issues of mission spectrum and the future tasks of maritime forces in the context of the ESDP missions.

European Defence Agency : The Council made note of a report submitted by the Head of the Agency on its activities and welcomed the results achieved. In particular, the Council noted: the endorsement of “an initial long-term vision for European defence capabilities and capacity needs”; the inauguration of the voluntary regime on defence procurement and its successful implementation and the code of best practice in supply chain; the agreed definition of a future European Defence Technological and Industrial Base; the adoption of a Defence R & T Joint Investment Programme on Force Protection; and good progress on the Agency’s management of a growing number of collaborative ad hoc projects. The Council agreed to postpone by another year the setting of the Agency’s three-year financial framework and adopted, by unanimity, the Agency’s budget for 2007.

Strengthening Civil-military co-ordination : The Council welcomed the on-going work to improve effective co-ordination of the civilian and military crisis management instruments. The Council remarked upon recent work on improving information sharing in support of EU crisis management operations. The objective being to achieve a high degree of common situational awareness among EU actors as this constitutes an important element in ensuring that EU crisis management efforts are coherent and effective.

Using military assets in support of EU disaster relief : The Council welcomed work on improving the EU’s ability to respond to disasters quickly. Work is taking place in the context of the Hampton Court follow-up and the proposals put forward by the SG/HR in March 2006. The Council recalled that helping citizens in an emergency, crisis or disaster required rapid and effective delivery assistance.

The committee adopted the own-initiative report - drawn up by the chairman of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, Karl von WOGAU (EPP-ED, DE) - on the implementation of the European Security Strategy (ESS) in the context of the ESDP.

The committee recognised that the ESS contains "an excellent analysis of the threats to the modern world", but emphasised "the need to monitor its implementation on a regular basis, in order to be able to react to geopolitical developments." The report also noted that meeting "the geopolitical and geo-economic challenges of the increasing worldwide competition for sources of water and energy, as well as natural disasters and the security of the Union's external borders", must be included as a strategic objective in the future development of the ESS, which it said should be subject to revision in 2008 at the latest.

Although the report emphasised that, in the event of an attack by the armed forces of a third country on the territory of the Union, "NATO remains the guarantor of collective defence," it pointed out that the EU is "on the way to developing into a Security and Defence Union as well." In this field, the report calls for the European Security and Defence Policy capabilities of the Union to be strengthened by the setting up of a common defence market, a common system of intelligence and communications standards and a European civil protection force. MEPs also stressed the importance of the Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe, especially the sections that would set up a solidarity clause in the event of disasters, and a clause on mutual assistance in the event of an attack on one of the Member States. The report favoured the Constitution's plans to create the post of European Foreign Minister, as well as supporting the creation of a Deputy Foreign Minister in charge of security and defence policy. The committee voted to ask for a European budget that would cover not only the civil but also the military aspects of security. And it called for the "setting up of a European standing naval force in the Mediterranean sea in order to demonstrate a European presence and enhance the EU's crisis management potential in this region."

The report also discussed preventive measures, emphasising that "the Union, in light of new threats, must be ready to act before crises break out and take early preventive action," although always in line with the United Nations Charter. It further stressed that "one of the EU's greatest contributions to preventing international terrorism is its capacity to be effective in the building or rebuilding of democratic institutions, social and economic infrastructure, good governance and civil society, and in successfully combating racism and xenophobia."

The Council took note of a report by the Presidency on "Reinforcing the EU's emergency and crisis response capacities", with a view to submitting it to the European Council on 15-16 June 2006 ( 10339/06 ).

The report draws together the follow-up to the various initiatives launched by preceding presidencies. It summarises efforts made by the EU to improve coordination of available assets; to get assistance quickly to where it is needed; and to provide more effective consular assistance to EU citizens in third countries.

The Council, in the presence of defence ministers, discussed recent progress under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) and adopted the following conclusions. Firstly, it welcomed the Secretary-General/High Representative's proposals to improve the EU's ability to respond to disasters and the coordination of transport for the relief efforts, in the context of the Hampton Court follow-up. It noted the document "General Framework for the use of Member States' military or military chartered transportation assets and ESDP coordination tools in support of EU disaster response" and agreed on its way ahead. Ministers also heard a presentation from Mr Barnier on options and recommendations for possible further development of EU capabilities in responding to crises, which are set out in his report to the Presidency and the Commission.

It states that helping citizens in an emergency, crisis or disaster, whether natural or man-made, requires effective delivery of assistance where and when it is needed. In certain cases, Member States are able to offer assistance (notably through EU mechanisms) to respond to an emergency or natural disaster, but have no transport to bring it where it is needed. To this end, the Council, building on the Secretary-General/High Representative's contribution, has today taken first steps to put in place effective procedures at EU level for identifying potentially available military or military chartered transport capacities, and for coordinating their use as supplementary means when circumstances so warrant.

Bearing in mind the specific nature and the principles of humanitarian assistance, the Council, in order to complement civilian means of transport already available through existing mechanisms, notes that Member States may decide to make available on a voluntary basis:

§ military-owned strategic air and sea lift capabilities when such capabilities are available;

§ military-chartered civilian strategic lift capabilities, in particular under the Strategic Airlift Interim Solution (SALIS) as already decided by one Member State. This action, in accordance with the UN guidelines on the use of Military and Civil Defence Assets in Disaster Relief and complex emergencies respectively, needs to respect the primary responsibility of the competent authorities of the affected State as well as the overall role and responsibility of the United Nations in coordinating international relief assistance in third countries. It will take due account of the role of the Red Cross, of NGOs and of the existing Community Civil Protection Mechanism and the Commission department of humanitarian aid (DG ECHO).

Once agreed by the Council, detailed procedures to identify potential military owned or military chartered assets will ensure a more rapid match between transport needs with available military transportation capabilities. These procedures will include direct links with duty desks in Ministries of Defence manned 24/7, as well as with the main European air and sealift coordination centres in Eindhoven and Athens. This will ensure better coordination of the use of available assets. An interim capability will be ensured while this work evolves, making use of the capacity currently provided by the EU Movement Planning Cell and the coordination centres.

The Council welcomes the fact that procedures will be put in place between the Council Secretariat and the Commission (in particular the Monitoring and Information Centre (MIC) and DG ECHO) to exchange rapidly information on needs and available transportation means which will ensure effective mobilisation.

Operations: the Council also discussed preparations for the Operation EUFOR RD Congo for support to MONUC during the electoral period in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It was briefed on the state of play by the Operation Commander, General Karlheinz Viereck. Ministers were also briefed on the state of play regarding the ongoing Operation EUFOR Althea in Bosnia and Herzegovina by the Operation Commander, General John Reith. Ministers discussed ongoing and future EU support to the African Union mission in Sudan/Darfur (AMIS) as well as prospects for a transition to a UN mission.

Appointments: the Presidency recalled that EU Chiefs of Defence, at their meeting on 11 May, had agreed to recommend that the Council should appoint General Henri Bentégeat, French Chief of Defence, as the next chairman of the EU Military Committee, to take up office at the end of the current mandate of General Rolando Mosca Moschini, which will expire on 9 April 2007. Ministers welcomed this choice and noted that the formal decision would be adopted at a future Council meeting. They also welcomed the favourable opinion given by Chiefs of Defence to High Representative Solana regarding the appointment of General David Leakey as the next Director-General of the EU Military Staff as from 1 March 2007, following the term of General Jean-Paul Perruche.