European Security and Defence Policy (Hansard, 25 February 2003)

§ 18. Mr. Swayne
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs when he last met his French and German counterparts to discuss EU foreign and security policy. [98800]

§ Mr. MacShane
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary most recently met his French and German counterparts to discuss EU Common Foreign and Security Policy on 17 February 2003.

§ 19. Mr. Peter Duncan
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the future of the European Security and Defence Policy. [98801]

§ Mr. Mike O'Brien
The comprehensive agreement between NATO and the EU, reached in December 2002, ensures that the European Security and Defence Policy of the EU will be based on close co-operation with NATO. The Government welcome this strategic partnership in crisis management. The EU and NATO are now finalising the detailed arrangements to give effect to this agreement. The EU has already expressed its willingness to take over from NATO the stabilisation mission in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.