MEPs Discuss EDA’s Role in Implementing European Council Conclusions

Brussels - 12 February, 2014 European Defence Agency

Claude-France Arnould, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency, today exchanged views with the European Parliament’s Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE). Detailing EDA’s role in implementing the European Council Conclusions, Madame Arnould highlighted that the outcome of the discussions by Heads of State and Government was a positive signal for European defence.

In her introduction, Madame Arnould highlighted the concrete taskings stemming from the European Council, especially regarding the four capability programmes on Air-to-Air Refuelling, Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems, satellite communications and cyber defence, and the incentives for more cooperation She also underlined that the European Defence Agency would continue working  in close cooperation with the European External Action Service, the European Commission and the European Parliament. Madame Arnould stressed the need for synergies in the field of dual-use research, also for the benefit of the European defence industry.

The subcommittee’s chairman Arnaud Danjean strongly welcomed the role of EDA and the importance of a continuous dialogue with SEDE, as practiced over the past years. MEPs posed many questions, with a particular interest in the capability programme on Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems and the state of Pooling & Sharing.

More information:

• European Parliament Subcommittee Security and Defence