§ Mr. JenkinTo ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he anticipates that the ESDP will be fully operational by 2003; and when he expects European Union military forces will be able to deploy under its auspices. [76371]
§ Geoffrey HoonThe European Council has agreed that the EU is capable of undertaking some crisis management operations, and that it will be in a position to take on progressively more demanding operations, as the assets and capabilities at its disposal continue to develop. Further offers of capability from nations will be necessary during 2003 if we are to meet the Headline Goal agreed at Helsinki in 1999. Any decision to undertake and contribute to an operation will be made by national governments and will depend on the circumstances at the time.