The talks held on March 1st, the first day of the informal meeting of the European Union Defence Ministers, focussed on crisis management operations and missions. The meeting is chaired by the German Defence Minister, Dr. Franz Josef Jung. Apart from the Defence Minsters of the 27 member states of the European Union, the Secretary General and High Representative of the EU, Dr. Javier Solana, other EU representatives and NATO Secretary General Jaap De Hoop Scheffer participated in the first working session of the meeting. Mr. De Hoop Scheffer took part in the talks as a guest which were of special relevance for the cooperation between EU and NATO.
As a first agenda item the participants discussed the situation of the western Balkans. In his introduction, Dr. Jung gave a basically positive estimation of the development in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The German Minister said that the improvement of the security situation was also to be reflected in the operation ALTHEA according to which a conditioned and phased withdrawal of the forces is planned. This step should, however, take into account the development of the overall security situation of the western Balkans.
According to the Minister, the presence of international forces (KFOR) continues to be indispensable in Kosovo, the question of their status being of special importance. Dr. Jung described the coordination between the future ESDP Police and Rule-of-Law Mission and KFOR as an essential factor for success. Cooperation between EU and NATO would be the decisive prerequisite after another resolution expected to be issued by the UN Security Council. UNMIK led missions should not be neglected or taken over by KFOR.
The second item to be discussed was the current status of the envisaged European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan. The mission was decided by the General Affairs and External Relations Council on February 12th. It is to contribute to consolidate the country’s stability. Civilian elements gain an increasing significance in crisis management operations. The various international players of a mission must be coordinated effectively and cooperate. Dr. Jung mentioned ISAF as an important element.
