§ Lord Juddasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are taking any action, and if so what, following the most recent developments on European defence co-operation to ensure that European states which are not members of the European Union or members of NATO are increasingly drawn into effective partnership for European security. [HL4722]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe Feira European Council established interim arrangements for consultation and co-operation on the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) with non-EU European NATO members and EU accession candidates. The Nice European Council is expected to agree permanent arrangements for involvement of these countries in ESDP. The EU Presidency will also make initial proposals at Nice for consultation with other prospective partners on EU-led crisis management.
On 21 November 2000, Defence Ministers from the non-EU European NATO members and EU accession candidates met with EU colleagues to offer military capabilities to the pool of forces available for EU-led crisis management operations.