Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 17 Dec 2002

Vol. 559 No. 5

Written Answers. - EU Security and Defence Policy.

Eamon Ryan

Question:

47 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the progress which has been made in NATO-EU arrangements for access to NATO assets and capabilities; the assets and capabilities which are being sought; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26097/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

The development of permanent arrangements between the EU and NATO has been envisaged since the early evolution of European security and defence policy, ESDP, as has been outlined in the conclusions of successive European Councils. A role for NATO in relation to ESDP arises from the need for the EU, which is not a military organisation, to have access to certain capabilities and resources such as transportation, headquarters and planning facilities which will be required for substantial crisis management missions.

At the European Council held in Brussels on 24 and 25 October 2002, and on the basis of con clusions drawn at the previous Nice European Council, EU heads of state and Government agreed on modalities for the participation of non-EU European members of NATO in ESDP.

Following further negotiations in the context of last week's Copenhagen European Council, EU heads of state and Government concluded that agreement could be finalised. Necessary follow-up, including follow-up on arrangements for secure exchange of relevant information between the two organisations, is now in hand.