Trevor Sargent
Ceist:111 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence his views on the new EU Security Doctrine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18867/03]
Vol. 570 No. 3
111 Mr. Sargent asked the Minister for Defence his views on the new EU Security Doctrine; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18867/03]
127 Aengus Ó Snodaigh asked the Minister for Defence his views on the first draft of the EU security doctrine published by EU High Representative Javier Solana; his views on the proposed three objectives for EU security; and his understanding of the implications of these for defence policy here. [18895/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 111 and 127 together.
At the informal Gymnich meeting of foreign affairs Ministers which was held at Rhodes on 2 May 2003, EU Secretary General-High Representative, Mr. Javier Solana, was requested to produce a draft of a European strategic security concept. The concept entitled, A Secure Europe in a Better World, was delivered by Mr. Solana at the European Council meeting at Thessaloniki on 19 and 20 June 2003.
As the Taoiseach reported to the House last week, the security strategy is a very interesting report, reflecting the Government's view that the Union pursue an holistic approach to security and that security has economic, political and development dimensions.
The European Union has been instrumental in maintaining peace and stability on the Continent over the past 50 years. In addition the Union has developed highly sophisticated diplomatic, economic and social instruments which have improved the wellbeing of its citizens and helped to promote stability in other regions. Significant strides have also been made in recent years with the development of the European Security and Defence Policy which is already complementing existing EU instruments in the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, FYROM, and most recently in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, the post-Cold War world has brought new threats and risks to peace and stability which have been outlined in the High Representative's report. These risks range from famine and disease, to the increasing availability of weapons of mass destruction, failed states and organised crime.