European Security and Defence Policy

HC Deb 30 November 2001 vol 375 cc1151-2W

Mr. Jenkin

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence which defence projects in the EU have been(a) initiated and (b) brought forward as a result of the aspiration to achieve the objectives of the European Security and Defence Policy. [19829]

Mr. Hoon

Decisions to initiate or accelerate defence projects are driven by a wide range of factors. These encompass both national priorities and the relevant commitments of nations towards international bodies such as NATO and the EU.

The European Council has agreed that the capability objectives of the European Security and Defence Policy and those of NATO will, for the countries concerned, be mutually reinforcing. It is therefore neither practical nor necessary to categorise project initiatives solely under a European Security and Defence Policy or NATO heading.