European Security and Defence Policy

HC Deb 31 March 2003 vol 402 cc489-90W

22. Mr. Stephen O'Brien

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, If he will make a statement on the future of the European Security and Defence Policy. [105469]

Mr. Hoon

We continue to make progress in developing the European Security and Defence European Union agreed Policy. Earlier this month, NATO and the arrangements, known as "Berlin Plus", giving the EU ready access to the Alliance's common assets and capabilities for operations. As a consequence, the EU is now able to launch its first military mission in Macedonia, taking over from the NATO operation "Allied Harmony" today. This is a tangible demonstration of the strategic partnership between the two organisations and of the EU's determination to strengthen its ability to undertake crisis management operations. We also continue to make progress on improving European military capabilities and are actively engaged in the debate on the future of the ESDP in the Convention on the Future of Europe.