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Among the clear lessons of Kosovo are
the continued importance of a strong and effective NATO and the pressing
need for improved European military capabilities, both for a more effective
European role in NATO and to ensure the EU has the capacity for autonomous
action in the field of the Petersberg tasks (humanitarian and rescue tasks,
peacekeeping and crisis management including peacemaking) backed by credible
military forces.
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European Heads of State and Government
at Cologne in June committed themselves further to develop the European
defence dimension through more effective military capability; and the appropriate
decision-making institutions, in support of a strong Common Foreign and
Security policy. They recognised the need to undertake sustained efforts
to strengthen Europe's industrial and technological defence base. They
also stressed that, avoiding unnecessary duplication, a more effective
role for the European Union in conflict prevention and crisis management
would contribute to the vitality of a renewed Alliance.
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We are therefore launching a joint proposal
to set criteria for improved and strengthened European defence capabilities
and effective performance to be discussed and agreed at the Luxembourg
WEU Ministerial meeting and the Helsinki European Council before the end
of the year.
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This approach, to be developed with
our Partners/Allies, will include a timetable to achieve: European-wide
goals for enhanced military capabilities to undertake crisis management,
including peacemaking; National capability objectives to achieve this European
aim.
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These efforts will be underpinned by:
Peer review: at least one joint
Foreign/Defence Ministers GAC per EU Presidency to measure progress against
the agreed criteria;
The detailed work of NATO's Defence
Capabilities Initiative;
A road map for more effective European
defence procurement; this will include harmonisation of military requirements
and collaborative arms procurement. We shall also promote defence industry
restructuring.
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These efforts will be complementary
to, and proceed in parallel with, work in the European Union, at Italy's
initiative, on developing the Union's and the Member States' capabilities,
concerning the non-military aspects of crisis prevention and management,
and improving co-ordination between military and non-military aspects.
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We shall pursue this bilateral initiative
with our Partners and Allies in the coming weeks with a view to the earliest
possible practical results in the European Union, the WEU and NATO.
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