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17 décembre 2014 3 17 /12 /décembre /2014 08:50
L'UE proroge sa mission d'observation en Géorgie

 

BRUXELLES, 16 décembre - RIA Novosti

 

Le Conseil de l'UE a prorogé de deux ans la durée de la mission d'observation de l'UE en Géorgie,  jusqu'au 14 décembre 2016, a annoncé le service de presse du CE dans un communiqué.

Selon la chef de la diplomatie européenne Federica Mogherini, l'UE assure un soutien concret à la paix et à la stabilité  dans la région grâce à sa mission d'observateurs.

"L'UE continue de soutenir la souveraineté et l'intégrité territoriale de la Géorgie dans le cadre de frontières reconnues par la communauté internationale",  a déclaré Federica Mogherini.

Le budget de la mission pour l'année 2015 se chiffrera de 18,3 millions d'euros.

La mission d'observation de l'Union européenne en Géorgie (EUMM Georgia) a commencé ses travaux le 1er octobre 2008, une fois que  la Russie a reconnu l'indépendance de l'Abkhazie et de l'Ossétie du Sud, deux républiques autoproclamées sur le territoire géorgien, en août 2008, suite à l'agression de l'armée géorgienne contre la capitale sud-ossète Tskhinvali. La Géorgie a pour sa part décrété les deux républiques "territoires occupés".

La mission compte plus de 200 observateurs non-armés en provenance de 22 pays de l'UE.

La Russie, l'Abkhazie et l'Ossétie du Sud n'admettent pas la présence d'observateurs européens sur le territoire abkhaz et sud-ossète.

Les missions de l'Onu et de l'OSCE se sont retirées du territoire géorgien en 2009. De cette façon, l'UE est la seule à maintenir ses observateurs en Géorgie, dans les régions attenantes à l'Ossétie du Sud et à l'Abkhazie.

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4 décembre 2014 4 04 /12 /décembre /2014 11:50
Statement by the HR/VP at the first plenary session of the OSCE Ministerial Council in Basel

 

04/12/2014 EEAS

 

While the crisis in and around Ukraine pushes the OSCE to its limits, it has also highlighted the OSCE's relevance and strengths as an organisation:

First, the crisis has underlined the value of the OSCE concept of comprehensive security. Ukraine has shown that there can be no lasting security and stability without good governance and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. We therefore remain extremely concerned by the trend that OSCE principles and commitments are increasingly challenged in parts of the OSCE area. Ukraine has reminded us why more than twenty years ago we agreed that commitments in the human dimension are matters of direct and legitimate concern to all participating States and do not belong exclusively to the internal affairs of the State concerned.

Second, events in and around Ukraine have demonstrated the value of OSCE field operations. We support the impartial work of the Special Monitoring Mission and commend its reporting activities and its ability to adapt to changing circumstances. We also commend the way the Project Coordinator in Ukraine has responded to new developments.

Third, the engagement of ODIHR, the High Commissioner on National Minorities, and the Representative on the Freedom of the Media testifies to the crucial role of the autonomous OSCE institutions that play an indispensable role in assisting participating States in implementing their commitments.

Let me say on behalf of all the European Union how much we value the Swiss Chairmanship for its efforts with regard to the crisis in and around Ukraine, including through the Trilateral Contact Group, and the excellent, precious work that Heidi Tagliavini has done and is doing in this regard. We welcome the commitment of the incoming Serbian Chairmanship to maintain a strong focus and balanced approach to this crisis. We trust that the incoming Chairmanship will do its utmost to uphold the OSCE principles and commitments.

We all need to work towards a sustainable political solution to the crisis in and around Ukraine. Any solution must be based on respect for Ukraine's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. As first steps, the Minsk Protocol and Memorandum, as the only commonly agreed framework, need to be fully implemented without further delay.

It is clear that little can be achieved without Russia's genuine commitment and constructive engagement. Russia needs to assume and exercise its responsibilities. The inflow of weapons, equipment and troops from across the Russian border must be halted. Equally, we call for the withdrawal of any illegal and foreign forces, mercenaries and military equipment from eastern Ukraine.

A lasting political solution requires also stepping up the political and economic reforms in Ukraine. I am confident that the new Parliament and the new Government in Ukraine will resume the reform process at full speed. The European Union will continue to support Ukraine in its efforts and calls for the resumption of a genuine national dialogue.

This year’s OSCE Ministerial, the Chairman reminded us, is very different from previous ones. Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea and Sevastopol and destabilising actions in eastern Ukraine have seriously violated the basic OSCE principles and commitments, as enshrined notably in the Helsinki Final Act and Paris Charter. This is the larger issue we have to address today and tomorrow.

We do not need to renegotiate these principles and commitments or develop new ones to address the current crisis. The existing principles have provided a solid cornerstone for European security for many years and they continue to be valid. They are, in fact, not negotiable, including the principle that borders are inviolable.

The erosion of trust we are witnessing today can only be overcome by restoring respect for the basic principles of the OSCE and by genuine, open dialogue. I hope everyone will be ready to seize the opportunity of this Ministerial to start a process in this direction.

The crisis in and around Ukraine is not the only conflict on our agenda. It is also important to achieve tangible progress in the resolution of the protracted conflicts in Georgia, the Republic of Moldova, and of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Time is not on the side of peace, and we know that very well.

Next year we will see the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Helsinki Final Act in 1975. The Helsinki+40 process remains an opportunity to address the crisis of European security and to seek common ground on the way forward. But there will be little cause for celebration next year if the basic principles of the Helsinki Final Act, the very document we will be commemorating, continue to be seriously violated. We hope that the Panel of Eminent Persons can contribute to re-launching a genuine dialogue.

Our discussions, Mr Chairman, here, under your chairmanship for which I want to thank you once again, provide an excellent opportunity to begin a process towards renewed respect for the basic principles underpinning security in Europe. The OSCE is, by definition, the forum for dialogue on European security and we should never underestimate its importance. I am confident that we all understand at full the relevance of our individual and collective responsibilities.

Thank you very much.

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23 novembre 2014 7 23 /11 /novembre /2014 12:50
HR/VP to VP/HR? the next generation

 

With the formal entry into office of the new European Commission chaired by Jean-Claude Juncker, a new organisation of the college and its services, as well as a new modus operandi across all EU services will be put to test. This applies to the Commission as a whole – to the extent that it will probably shape its entire mandate and future legacy.

But it will be particularly relevant for the area of foreign policy and external action, in view of the foreseeable implications – and possibly the unintended consequences – of the new setup for the role of the multi-hatted high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and vice-president (HR/VP). Five years after Catherine Ashton took up the newly created function of HR/VP, Federica Mogherini is taking over in a significantly different institutional landscape.

 

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20 novembre 2014 4 20 /11 /novembre /2014 07:50
Étienne Schneider au Conseil "Affaires étrangères" en formation Défense à Bruxelles

En marge du Conseil "Affaires étrangères" Etienne Schneider a rencontré son nouvel homologue belge, le ministre de la Défense Steven Vandeput - photo Defensie - Malek Azoug

 

18.11.2014 Communiqué par le ministre de la Défense (LU)

 

En date du 18 novembre 2014, le Vice-Premier ministre, ministre de la Défense, Étienne Schneider, a participé à Bruxelles au Conseil "Affaires étrangères" (CAE) en formation des ministres de la Défense, présidé pour la première fois par la haute représentante de l’Union européenne (UE), Federica Mogherini.

 

En vue de la préparation de la Présidence luxembourgeoise de l’UE, le ministre Schneider a invité Federica Mogherini à se rendre au Luxembourg dans un avenir proche.

 

Lors de la session du comité directeur de l’Agence européenne de défense (AED), qui précède traditionnellement le CAE Défense, les ministres ont salué le travail de l’AED et ont procédé à un échange de vues sur la mise en œuvre des conclusions du Conseil européen de décembre 2013, le développement de mesures incitatives à la cooperation et sur l’importance de la coopération avec la Commission en matière de recherche.

 

Candidature luxembourgeoise pour le poste de directeur général de l’AED

 

Les ministres ont encouragé l’Agence à continuer son soutien aux États membres dans le cadre des quatre programmes-phare en matière de développement conjoint de capacités (ravitaillement en vol, systèmes d'aéronefs télépilotés, télécommunications gouvernementales par satellite et cyber-défense). Les ministres souhaitent que l’AED collabore davantage avec la Commission et continue ses efforts pour intensifier la coopération entre États membres en matière de défense. Une session restreinte a eu lieu pour aborder la succession de l’actuel directeur général, Marie-France Arnould, dont le mandat arrivera à échéance le 15 janvier 2015. Dans ce contexte, Étienne Schneider a annoncé une candidature luxembourgeoise pour le poste de directeur général de l’AED.

 

Lors du CAE Défense, les ministres ont procédé à un échange de vues sur les cinq opérations militaires en cours et sur la situation sécuritaire dans le voisinage de l’UE. Le secrétaire général de l’OTAN Jens Stoltenberg souhaite une coopération plus étroite avec l’UE en ce qui concerne les nombreux défis qui se posent aux frontières de l’UE et de l’OTAN. Les ministres ont évoqué la lutte contre l’État islamique en Irak et au Levant, la situation en Ukraine et le recours aux ressources militaires dans la lutte contre l’épidémie Ebola.

 

Révision de la Stratégie européenne de sécurité

 

Lors du déjeuner, les ministres ont eu un premier échange de vues sur la préparation du Conseil européen (CE) qui aura lieu en juin 2015 en matière de politique de sécurité et de défense commune (PSDC). À l’instar de nombreux autres États membres, le Luxembourg juge une révision de la Stratégie européenne de sécurité nécessaire afin de refléter les évolutions sécuritaires dans le monde et le rôle à jouer par l’UE. Le Luxembourg a également souligné l’importance pour l’UE de coopérer davantage avec l’OTAN.

 

Enfin, le Luxembourg a exprimé le souhait que les travaux sur le concept "Train and Equip" aboutissent lors du CE de juin 2015. Ce concept consiste à faciliter la fourniture d’équipements aux forces de sécurité des pays dans lesquels l’UE assure des formations dans le cadre de ses missions et opérations internationales.

 

En marge du Conseil "Affaires étrangères", Étienne Schneider a rencontré son nouvel homologue belge, le ministre de la Défense, Steven Vandeput. Les discussions ont permis d’aborder de nombreux aspects de la coopération belgo-luxembourgeoise en matière de Défense. Les deux ministres ont réaffirmé leur volonté de maintenir et de développer à l’avenir les intenses relations bilatérales entre les deux pays. Étienne Schneider a proposé la tenue d’une rencontre ministérielle au niveau BENELUX en vue de préparer la future Présidence luxembourgeoise de l’UE.

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20 novembre 2014 4 20 /11 /novembre /2014 06:50
Defence Ministers assess EDA progress during the Agency's Steering Board

 

Brussels - 18 November, 2014 European Defence Agency

 

The Steering Board of 18 November was chaired for the first time by Federica Mogherini, the new Head of the European Defence Agency. It was an important opportunity for Defence Ministers to assess the progress achieved since December 2013. It was also an ideal forum for the new High Representative and Vice-President of the European Commission to discuss cooperation on military capabilities with European ministers and to prepare for the June 2015 European Council.

 

Progress on the four key programmes

 

Four projects have been endorsed by the 2013 European Council: Air-to-Air Refuelling (AAR), Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), Governmental Satellite Communications (GovSatcom) and Cyber Defence. In line with their respective roadmaps, the progress made in each of these four key capability areas has been welcomed by Defence Ministers during the Steering Board:

 

  • Air-to-Air Refuelling: under the lead of the Netherlands, work is progressing towards the establishment of a European strategic tanker capability by 2020. A contract for new air-to-air refuelling aircraft is expected to be placed by the end of 2015.

  • RPAS: EDA supports the development of a European Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) RPAS through a number of projects focusing on certification, air traffic insertion, airworthiness and harmonisation of flight crew training. The Agency is facilitating efforts to develop a new MALE RPAS capability for the next decade by supporting Member States willing to join such an initiative. EDA is also backing a “European MALE RPAS community” for systems that are already in service.

  • GovSatcom: the requirements of European military users (Common Staff Target) for the next generation of Governmental Satellite Communications have been formally endorsed by Member States. This paves the way to the preparation phase of a future cooperative programme, to be completed by the end of 2016 under Spanish lead.

  • Cyber Defence: in line with the EU Cyber Security Strategy, EDA is working on specific projects to increase its Member States’ capabilities in this domain. The Agency has already supported the operational headquarters of Operation EUFOR RCA by providing cyber awareness training. Work is underway to develop deployable “Cyber Defence situational awareness kits” by 2015.

 

Incentives for cooperation

As tasked by the European Council, the Agency has developed proposals to incentivise cooperation, mainly through non-market distorting fiscal measures and pooled procurement. During the Steering Board, Defence ministers welcomed this progress as a basis for further work.

  • Fiscal measures: in March 2014, the Belgian Ministry of Finance granted VAT exemption to EDA’s ad hoc projects and activities. Three projects have already benefitted from that exemption: JDEAL, C-IED Manual Neutralisation Techniques and EU Satcom Market. This VAT exemption gives a real bonus to defence cooperation among Member States.

  • Pooled procurement: Proposals were discussed for the establishment of a pooled procurement mechanism to facilitate cooperative acquisition and support of defence equipment, while improving interoperability. This mechanism, whose creation still requires deeper discussion among Member States, would address priorities defined by them.

 

Strategic outlook

As requested by the December 2013 European Council, Defence Ministers have adopted a Policy Framework to foster more systematic and long-term defence cooperation. This document aims to provide a coherent basis for defence cooperation in Europe, from priority setting through to in-service support, disposal and decommissioning. It offers tangible support to national defence reviews and provides a platform for greater convergence in defence planning.

Complementing this Policy Framework, the revised Capability Development Plan (CDP) endorsed by Member States earlier this year will be an essential element for the setting of cooperative capability development priorities. It provides a list of priority actions based on lessons learned from European operations, future security scenarios and long-term trends. It addresses the Member States’ priorities for their armed forces and, as such, will form the basis of future European collaborative programmes.

 

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17 novembre 2014 1 17 /11 /novembre /2014 19:50
European Security forum à Bruxelles

 

17.11.204 Fondation Robert Schuman

 

Le Forum sur la sécurité européenne est organisé à l'initiative de plusieurs organisations et groupes politiques européens les 17 et 18 novembre à Bruxelles. Plusieurs ministres de la défense, la Haute représentante, Federica Mogherini ainsi que des experts sont attendus. Le 17 novembre, Sandra Kalniete, députée européenne, membre du Conseil d'administration de la Fondation, intervient sur les défis en matière de défense et de sécurité. Le 18 novembre, Jean-Dominique Giuliani, Président de la Fondation Robert Schuman, modérera une table ronde sur le thème des différences de perception des questions sécuritaires en Europe.

 

 

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10 novembre 2014 1 10 /11 /novembre /2014 17:50
photo msz.gov.pl

photo msz.gov.pl

 

10.11.2014 source Fondation Robert Schuman

 

Le 6 novembre, la Haute représentante de la diplomatie européenne Federica Mogherini a fait sa première visite officielle en Pologne. Lors de sa visite, elle a rencontré le Ministre des affaires étrangères de Pologne, Grzegorz Schetyna, le président Bronisław Komorowski, le vice-Premier ministre ainsi que le ministre de la Défense Tomasz SiemoniakTomasz Siemoniak. Selon le ministre des affaires étrangères, cette visite a réaffirmé le rôle essentiel de la Pologne dans l'élaboration de la politique étrangère de l'UE. A Varsovie, Federica Mogherini a déclaré que les pays européens devaient rediscuter leur stratégie vis-à-vis de la Russie, compte-tenu du signal "très négatif" que constituent les élections organisées par les séparatistes dans les provinces orientales de l'Ukraine...

 

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10 novembre 2014 1 10 /11 /novembre /2014 17:45
Statement by High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini on latest attacks in Libya

 

Brussels , 10/11/2014 - Statement by HR/VP ref 141110_01

 

"The series of explosions that went off in the city of Sahatta, yesterday where UNSRSG Bernardino Leon was meeting key Libyan interlocutors are heinous acts and can only prevent Libya from reaching a peaceful settlement to the conflict.

These attacks undermine the dialogue process.  In the interest of the Libyan people, I call upon all parties to refrain from such destructive acts and to participate in the UN led dialogue process.

The European Union continues to believe that dialogue, in whatever shape or form, remains crucial and that the solution of the crisis requires a political settlement. We fully back the efforts of the Special Representative of the UN Secretary General, Bernardino Leon and I reaffirm EU's commitment to work alongside the UN".

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