Paul Nicholas Gogarty
Question:94 Mr. Gogarty asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he regards the EU military dimension as comprising the European pillar of NATO; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30506/03]
Written Answers. - European Security and Defence Policy.
A role for NATO on European security and defence policy, ESDP, arises from the need for the EU to have access to certain NATO assets and capabilities for crisis management purposes. Arrangements for co-operation between the two organisations have been envisaged since the early evolution of ESDP and have evolved in accordance with principles specified by successive European Councils since Feira 2000. Permanent arrangements to facilitate co-operation between the EU and NATO in the crisis management area, known as "Berlin Plus", were finalised in March 2003. These arrangements take full account of the distinct nature and structures of each organisation. The autonomy of EU decision-making and non-discrimination against any member state are underlying principles which have been of particular importance from Irelands perspective. The successful implementation of the "Berlin Plus" arrangements has been evidenced in the context of operation concordia, the EU-led military monitoring and stabilisation operation, conducted with recourse to NATO assets and capabilities, in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia.
Against this background, and while there is considerable overlap in terms of membership of both organisations, it can be seen that the EU and NATO remain separate and distinct entities. Close co-ordination between the two organisations on crisis management issues will be taken forward under the Irish Presidency in the context of planning for the EU take-over of the NATO-led SFOR operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is anticipated to occur towards the end of 2004.