Eamon Ryan
Ceist:77 Mr. Eamon Ryan asked the Minister for Defence the issues addressed at the two-day informal meeting of EU Defence Ministers in October 2002 in Greece; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20466/02]
Written Answers. - Official Engagements.
One or two informal meetings of Defence Ministers are usually held during the course of an EU Presidency. The meeting which took place in Crete on 4 and 5 October was chaired by the Greek Minister for Defence because of the Danish opt-out on European security and defence matters. The meeting was attended on behalf of the Minister for Defence, Deputy Michael Smith, by a senior official from his Department. As such meetings are informal, no decisions are reached and their main purpose is to provide an opportunity for Ministers to discuss progress made in relation to the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) and, in particular, the Helsinki headline goal.
At the meeting in Crete, discussions took place on issues relating to the development of the ESDP in the context of the enlargement of the EU and the integration of EU applicant countries into the ESDP structures. In addition, discussions took place in relation to continuing efforts at EU level towards the achievement of capabilities for crisis management. Developments which have been taking place under the Greek Presidency in relation to the future lead role by the EU of a UN-authorised NATO-led mission, the international force in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia for the protection of international observers, were also discussed. The meeting was also addressed by the NATO Secretary General, Lord Robertson, who clarified that the launch of a NATO rapid reaction force is not intended to compete with the EU headline goal.