Draft Resolution of the Working Group of Defence
The Working Group Defence conducted its proceedings on the basis of the mandate given by the Presidium of the Convention. The WG discussed four main fields of European Common Security and Defence Policy and by consensus reached following statements.
1. Role and scope of ESDP and its future tasks.
Delegates agreed that there is an urgent need to update and enlarge Petersberg Tasks according to the terrorist attacks of 11th September especially to hold actions like:
- military advices
- support
- stabilization
- post-conflict peace-building
- fight against terrorism
- actions against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction
It was also stressed that the EU has to focus on military defence of its own borders.
The great debate arose concerning the form and level of the EU-NATO relationship. There was consensus on the enhanced cooperation between this two organizations, however it was stated that the relationship between the both organization should be balanced. The Members of the Convention emphasized that the EU should reach a common position regarding the fields of cooperation with NATO.
2. Institutional structure and decision-making process within the ESDP
The discussion concentrated on the role of the European Parliament in the decision-making process and strengthening the role of the High Representative for CFSP. Reached consensus regards that the role of the European Parliament in the process of creation (legislative initiative), execution and control over the common defence policy should be strengthened.
There was proposal to establish the European Armaments Agency with the following tasks:
- conducting research and development
- working on creation of the common defence market
Concerning the decision-making process there was not consensus on the method of adopting decisions in the frame of the ESDP. There was three main options among the deputies: unanimity, consensus and Qualified Majority Voting. However the delegates agreed that the constructive abstention have to be a part of this process.
There was the consensus that there is no urgent need to create the European Military Treaty with the clause of Common Defence.
3. Mechanisms and institutions to enhance the military capabilities of the EU
Delegates agreed that the EU shall establish the European defence budget. All of the member states shall pay the part of their national expenditures on the common defence policy. The members of the Working Group decided that all decisions concerning the armaments policy shall be adopted on the intergovernmental level.
4. Institutionalized cooperation in ESDP among member states able and willing to (Euro-Zone in ESDP?)
Members agreed that there can be an enhanced cooperation among a group of states that are engaged in specific fields or events.
But it was generally accepted that there should not be an institutionalized cooperation among member states because it has the threat of deepening the division inside the EU.
However it was also stated that an abstention of some member states of operations can make the action of the EU ineffective.
The members of the working group generally stated that in the near future it is not possible to reach consensus in all the questions of ESDP.
The members of the Convention shall consider ways and methods to make ESDP more effective against the different security interests of the member states
