At the European Council in Copenhagen on 12-13 December 2002, the EU indicated its willingness to take over a follow-on force to the current NATO-led, UN-authorised SFOR military operation in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Secretary General-High Representative Solana and the Presidency were invited to begin consultations to this end with the Bosnian authorities, as well as with EU Special Representative and Dayton High Representative Ashdown, NATO and other international players. On this basis, it was also agreed that a preliminary report on the matter should be submitted to the General Affairs and External Relations Council meeting to be held in February. In early February, France and Britain announced their intention to submit further proposals to the Council in this regard.