HC Deb 31 January 2002 vol 379 cc501-2W
Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are for a central pot of European funding for the extra investment needed to achieve the Helsinki Headline Goal; and if he will make a statement. [31621]

Mr. Hoon

None. Achievement of the Headline Goal is based on the principle of intergovernmental co-operation and a voluntary approach. Member states have offered national capabilities for potential EU-led operations and are now working together within the European Capabilities Action Plan to address the remaining shortfalls. The funding for any initiatives emerging from this process will be a matter for the member states involved.

Mr. Hancock

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what assessment he has made of the relevance of the Helsinki Headline Goal in the post-11 September security environment; and if he will make a statement. [31617]

Mr. Hoon

The European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) aims to enhance the ability of European nations to perform crisis management operations. The potential need for such operations remains. Many of the capabilities required by the Headline Goal would also be highly relevant in a military response to international terrorism.