Ivor Callely
Question:101 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the likely development on security and defence policy at EU level; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9245/00]
Written Answers. - EU Security and Defence Policy.
The question of European security and defence policy is the subject of continuing discussion within the EU on the basis of the provisions of the Treaty of Amsterdam. The current position is set out in some detail in the reply of 23 March 2000 to Questions Nos. 23, 60 and 84 on this issue. The Portuguese Presidency presented an interim progress report to the Lisbon European Council on 23 and 24 March 2000 on follow-up to the Helsinki European Council. A fuller progress report is expected at the European Council in June.
I would recall that the focus of EU discussions is Petersberg Tasks and not mutual defence commitments. Furthermore, in seeking to ensure that the EU has the capabilities required for Petersberg Tasks, the Helsinki European Council made clear that this process is not about creating a European army. The importance of civilian crisis management, including the civilian dimensions of conflict prevention, has been fully recognised by the European Council. Ireland will continue to play an active role in this EU debate.