29/4/2015 EU source: European Union Ref: EU15-191EN
 

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• (…)The global security environment is changing dramatically. We are talking about big pictures, but it's about people's life(…).
• (…)Now finally as Europeans we are increasing our efforts to tackle the humanitarian crisis we are facing. As we do that, though, we must also tackle the causes of migrations. Including the conflicts in Europe’s neighbourhood.

ON A STRONGER EUROPE IN SECURITY AND DEFENCE

• Since assuming my functions, 6 months ago, I have stressed the need to work on a stronger Europe when it comes to security and defence matters. Getting at least some integrated defence capacities is something we cannot do without. (…)
• It is to draw a clearer picture of this more connected, contested and complex world, that I have launched in the EU a Strategic Review, a process of reflection on the implications of the evolving international security environment and the role that EU can and must play in it. (…)
• (…)This is intended to be a first step in the process that might culminate in a new EU external strategy. This first step will be completed by the end of June, and will provide the basis for further decisions by the EU on how better to prepare for and act upon the challenges to peace and prosperity that we face on both sides of the Atlantic. (…)

BUILDING ONWARD

• (…) Over the years the EU has gained significant experience and can deploy its missions on many different scenarios. (…) Ultimately, we believe that the best approach is to enable our partners in Africa to handle crisis management with minimal outside intervention. Yesterday the Commission adopted a Communication based on my proposal to enable the EU to "train and equip" forces of local partners. Since they will bear the brunt of crisis management, they deserve our strongest support. (…)
• (…)As we expand our ambitions, we also need to fill our defence capability gaps. At a time of reduced public spending, states seek ways to engage in pooling and sharing of capacities and resources, especially at the high-end capabilities. This can end up providing Europe with a good opportunity to reshape its defence spending. (…)
• The European Parliament reminds us that the cost of "non-Europe" in defence amounts to some €26bn per year, an enormous amount of money. And even more: 70% of European citizens support more integration in defence. For us, that is a call to action, and we want to fill this gap. (…)

ON THE EU-US COOPERATION ON SECURITY AND DEFENCE

• (…)The United States and the EU are reliable partners on security and defence. Our commitment as Europeans is to move further in this direction.
• (…)One of the promising strands of our cooperation has been increased military-to-military interaction. We must further step up information-sharing and collaboration between US and EU's military and civilian planners at all levels. We cannot afford to be duplicating efforts. (…)
• (…)The same applies to transatlantic cooperation on intelligence. Countering violent extremism and stopping foreign fighters has become an all-hands-on-deck job. We can only succeed if we join forces. (…)

ON EU-NATO COOPERATION

• (…)Our work to strengthen our capabilities through CSDP goes hand in hand with deepening ties with NATO. Hybrid, non-linear risks have put a premium on enhanced cooperation and contingency planning. And indeed the EU is strengthening its cooperation with the Alliance; we have developed an excellent working relationship. (…)

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08 avril 2015 par Stéphanie Heng*, chercheuse – L’Echo.be

D’un monde bipolaire à la fin de la Guerre froide, nous sommes aujourd’hui dans un monde multipolaire, marqué par l’arrivée de nouvelles puissances telles que la Chine ou l’Inde. Quelle place pour l’Europe dans la nouvelle configuration et les rapports de force entre les pays? Et, face à la multiplicité des crises, dans un monde globalisé où prospérité rime avec sécurité, la politique extérieure n’est aujourd’hui guère un choix. Elle est une nécessité.

La Politique européenne et de sécurité commune est devenue une réalité dès 1992 avec le traité de Maastricht. Javier Solana, Haut Représentant pour la politique étrangère et de sécurité commune de l’Union européenne, envisageait déjà, voilà plus de dix ans, la mise en œuvre d’une stratégie de sécurité européenne. Qu’en est-il réellement?

Force est de constater que nous en sommes aujourd’hui encore très loin, malgré quelques avancées certes concrètes. L’Union européenne jouit d’un poids relativement faible sur la scène internationale, notamment car nombre de décisions doivent être prises à l’unanimité des États membres.

Les premiers pas

Une politique européenne et de sécurité commune nécessite le volet défense. La crédibilité du projet européen est en jeu. Des développements et des évolutions concrètes ont vu le jour en la matière au début des années nonante.

Ainsi, lors de la déclaration de Petersberg en juin 1992, les États membres de l’Union européenne ont décidé de mettre en place des forces de défense pacificatrices via, entre autres, l’organisation de missions humanitaires, de missions de prévention des conflits et de maintien de la paix, de missions de forces de combat pour la gestion des crises, d’opérations de rétablissement de la paix ou encore d’actions conjointes en matière de désarmement. Il s’agit d’un premier pas vers une Europe de la défense.

Autre initiative intéressante: la création de l’Eurocorps en 1992, regroupant des contingents de cinq pays, la France et l’Allemagne initialement, auxquels se sont rajoutés la Belgique, l’Espagne et le Luxembourg.

Le tournant de 1998

En 1998, les Britanniques et les Français décident, à Saint-Malo, de la nécessité de doter l’Union européenne d’une capacité d’action autonome, y compris vis-à-vis de l’OTAN.

L’ambition de l’Union en matière de sécurité et de défense s’est renforcée en 1999 lors du sommet d’Helsinki avec la constitution d’une force de réaction rapide, puis la création de structures permanentes avec le traité de Nice (le Comité politique et de sécurité, le Comité militaire de l’Union européenne et l’État-major de l’Union européenne). Ces développements ont annoncé la mise en place de la Politique européenne de sécurité et de défense, puis de la Politique de sécurité et de défense commune dix ans plus tard.

Pour ou contre une armée européenne?

L’Union européenne demeure cependant peu cohérente sur la scène internationale, surtout sur le plan militaire. L’intervention en Libye en 2011 offre un exemple intéressant: certains États membres de l’Union, comme la France et le Royaume-Uni, sont intervenus durant la crise libyenne, mais il n’y a pas eu de réponse ou d’action commune du bloc européen. En découle un poids évidemment moindre de l’Union sur les questions et conflits internationaux.

Le président de la Commission européenne, Jean-Claude Juncker, s’est récemment exprimé sur l’idée de créer une armée européenne comme objectif à long terme. Ses propos ont fait couler beaucoup d’encre. L’ensemble des États membres de l’Union européenne ne s’accordent en effet nullement sur cette question. Pour certains pays, l’Organisation du traité de l’Atlantique Nord (OTAN) serait suffisante. N’oublions cependant pas que tous les États membres de l’Union ne sont pas membres de l’OTAN.

Bastion de souveraineté

La création d’une armée européenne homogène permettrait de renforcer le poids de l’Union sur le plan international. Signal fort sur la scène mondiale, il apporterait par ailleurs une réponse crédible en cas de menaces et risques pour la paix, non seulement dans les États membres mais aussi aux frontières de l’Union.

Mais cette idée est-elle capable de se matérialiser? Une telle armée, qui ne serait pas une simple juxtaposition de soldats des différents États membres, pourrait-elle voir le jour? La défense reste en effet aujourd’hui un important bastion de souveraineté nationale…

* Stéphanie Heng, chercheuse franco-belge en sciences sociales, ex-directrice de la communication du Groupe Herstal, Commandant (réserve citoyenne, Armée de Terre française).

The delegation of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence reiterated the European Parliament's global comprehensive support to Ukraine and its authorities. The SEDE delegation chaired by Anna Fotyga, included Ana Gomes, Michael Gahler, Eugen Freund as well as Andrej Plenkovic, Chair of EU-Ukrainian Delegation who joined the visit. Members were in Kiev in the framework of a joint mission with the Committee on Budgetary Affairs.

The delegation met with Ukrainian authorities including the Minister of Foreign Affairs Pavel Klimkin, the Speaker of the Verhovna Rada, Volodymyr Groysman and Members of the Parliamentary Committee for National Security and Defence as well as with the Head of the National Security and Defence Council Oleksandr Turchynov.

All Ukrainian interlocutors stressed that Russian strategy goal is to undermine not only the independence of Ukraine, but more generally European security. Turchinov said indeed that Russia has not achieved this goal and it will pursue, as before, by not implementing the Minsk ceasefire and preparing new offensive. To this "empire strikes back" strategy we need to build common counter strategy, a wall of economic sanctions and other measures that Putin will not be able to climb. For Klimkin a UN or EU peacekeeping mission is the solution, although a Russian veto is to be expected at the UN Security Council.

Members assured that sanctions will not be lifted before the Minsk agreement is fully implemented, which means that Ukraine will regain control over all of its border.

The delegation stressed the solidarity of the majority of EP with Ukraine and suggested that keeping this solidarity is key to deter further attempts to undermine Ukraine's and Europe's security.

The other meetings concentrated also on the difficulties in implementation of the Minsk agreements.

Members focused also on activities of EU Advisory Mission (EUAM Ukraine) under CSDP, which is a non executive civilian mission for the advise and mentoring to Ukrainian actors. Delegation agrees that EUAM costitutes an important element of the support in the process of reforms in Ukraine in areas of SSR, Rule of Law, fighting against corruption etc.

27/03/2015 Ministère de la Défense

Jean-Yves Le Drian, ministre français de la défense et Jorge Domecq, directeur exécutif de l’Agence Européenne de Défense (AED) se sont rencontrés pour aborder la participation française aux projets de l’AED ainsi que la préparation du Conseil européen de juin 2015.

« L’Agence européenne de Défense tient un rôle essentiel pour renforcer la coopération de défense en Europe et pour faciliter les synergies avec les politiques conduites par l’Union européenne : l’AED aura ainsi un rôle tout particulier à jouer dans la préparation et la mise en œuvre de l’Action Préparatoire qui va amorcer un effort de recherche européen dans le domaine de la Défense. Je me réjouis du travail mené par l’AED pour aider à bâtir une flotte multinationale de ravitailleurs en vol et des actions conduites pour préparer l’insertion dans le trafic aérien du futur DRONE MALE européen, projet que nous portons avec l’Allemagne et l’Italie. La France soutiendra pleinement le nouveau directeur exécutif de l’AED dans sa mission » a déclaré le ministre de la défense.

« L’Agence Européenne de Défense est un instrument au service des Etats membres. Nous les appuyons en comblant les déficits capacitaires les plus pressants, en coordonnant la recherche et la technologie au niveau européen et nous nous assurons que les intérêts militaires soient bien pris en compte par les grands projets de l’UE comme le Ciel Unique Européen. Je me suis engagé à répondre aux attentes fixées par les États membres et à éviter les duplications d’efforts. Notre première priorité est la préparation du Conseil européen de Juin, qui devrait apporter un coup d’accélérateur à la coopération de défense et à l’industrie d’armement en Europe » a dit Jorge Domecq lors de son entretien avec le ministre de la défense Jean-Yves Le Drian

Cette visite s’inscrit dans une série de déplacements et d’entretiens de M. Domecq avec l’ensemble des pays membres de l’AED à la suite à sa nomination à la tête de l’AED et précède la réunion des ministres de la Défense de l’Union européenne du 18 mai 2015.

23.03.2014 source RP UE France
 

Le calendrier des think tanks, mis à jour chaque semaine, regroupe les conférences et rencontres organisées par les think tanks à Bruxelles.

Retrouvez le calendrier de la semaine du lundi 23 mars 2015. (1Mo)

On 15 March, the EU-led operation in the Central African Republic (CAR), EUFOR RCA, came to an end after slightly less than a year. The ninth EU military operation in the framework of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) was launched in April 2014 and deployed to the capital city, Bangui.  Mandated to provide stability in parts of Bangui, as well as secure the city’s airport for an initial period of six months, it was later renewed for a further three months before handing over to the UN operation (MINUSCA).

While the process of establishing the mission was painful and doubts were expressed over its added value, EUFOR RCA seems to have delivered on its mandate and contributed to stabilising the situation in Bangui. Sustaining these achievements – in part through the new EU advisory mission – is now one of the main challenges ahead.

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19 March 2015 by defenceWeb

The European Union on 16 March launched a military advisory mission in the Central African Republic (EUMAM RCA), after its establishment on 19 January. The mission supports the Central African authorities in preparing the reform of the security sector with respect to the armed forces of the Central African Republic.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, said: "The EU continues its comprehensive support for stability and security in the Central African Republic. EU experts will now support preparations for security sector reform. This will help the Central Africa Republic turn the corner after this security crisis."

In close cooperation with the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), this mission will play a critical role in strengthening the security sector. Concurrently, EUMAM RCA will advise the military authorities of the Central African Republic (CAR) on the reforms necessary to transform the CAR armed forces into a professional, democratically controlled and ethnically representative army, the EU said. EUMAM RCA will also support the MINUSCA in achieving its mandate in the area of security sector reform and the vetting process.

EUMAM RCA is located in the country's capital Bangui. Brigadier General Dominique Laugel from France has been appointed EU Mission Commander for a team of up to 60 staff. The common costs of the operation are estimated at €7.9 million for 12 months.

EUMAM RCA takes over from EUFOR RCA, which completed its mission in Bangui on March 15 after 11 months of operations. Initially agreed for a period of 6 months after achieving full operational capability of the force, the mandate of EUFOR RCA actually lasted 9 months, after the Central African authorities and the United Nations requested an extension, deploying on the ground about 750 soldiers from 14 European Countries.

The EU said that during the last 11 months, the level of security in Bangui has significantly improved with internally displaced persons going back to their homes while the first refugees are beginning to return to Central African Republic.

15/03/2015 EUFOR-RCA

After 11 months of intensive operations EUFOR RCA has successfully completed its mission in Bangui and all components have left the Central African Republic to return to their countries, but at the same time the European mission EUMAM is deployed, to facilitate the reorganization of the Central African armed forces.

After having handed over the responsibility of the airport one the 17th of November, EUFOR has transferred the responsibility of both 3rd and 5th districts to MINUSCA on the 28th of February, at a symbolic parade with all International Forces and Transitional Authorities.

Initially agreed for a period of 6 months after achieving full operational capability of the force, the mandate of EUFOR RCA actually lasted 9 months, after the Central African authorities and the United Nations requested an extension, deploying on the ground about 750 soldiers from 14 European Countries.

During the last 11 months, the level of security in Bangui has significantly improved, facilitating the deployment and actions of humanitarian actors embodying a global approach which is the higher level benefit of the operations of the European Union. IDPs are going back to their homes while the first refugees are begining to return to Central African Republic. And thus the economic and social life has restarted, the iconic PK5 market continues its development, freedom of movement of people has improved significantly, and all Bangui communities have begun reconciliations to regain their life together.

In his last speech delivered at UCATEX base to the lined-up EUFOR RCA Units, General Jean-Marc Bacquet, Force Commanders of EUFOR RCA, praised the continuous efforts of the European soldiers deployed in Bangui, to attain a safe and secure environment and to allow humanitarian organizations to provide aid and displaced persons to return home.

During the final farewell, addressed to the Central African authorities on the 13th of March, the Ucatex compound was named “camp Moana” in honor of the French Master Corporal Moana Heiarii who died for EUFOR in the fulfilment of his mission on November 5, 2014; in his speechGeneral Philippe Pontiès, Operational Commander of EUFOR RCA said: “My wishes for success are finally going to EUMAM, which will extend in other forms the dynamics of EUFOR RCA, showing the determination of the European Union to continue to play an active role alongside the United Nation, for the population and in support of the transition process and reconstruction work in Central African Republic.”

16.03..2015 par rpfrance.eu
 

Le calendrier des think tanks, mis à jour chaque semaine, regroupe les conférences et rencontres organisées par les think tanks à Bruxelles.

Retrouvez le calendrier de la semaine du lundi 16 mars 2015. (1Mo)

10.03.2015 europarl.europa.eu REF. : 20150309IPR32555
 

10-03-2015 - europarl.europa.eu/ REF. : 20150309IPR32555
 

March 8, 2015 Defense News (AFP)

BERLIN — European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker on Sunday called for the creation of an EU army in the wake of rising tensions with Russia.

Juncker said the force could help counter new threats beyond the bloc's borders and defend European "values," in an interview with Germany's Welt am Sonntag newspaper.

"You would not create a European army to use it immediately," he was quoted as saying.

"But a common army among the Europeans would convey to Russia that we are serious about defending the values of the European Union."

He said a joint EU force would also lead to more efficient spending on military equipment and drive further integration of the bloc's 28 member states.

"Such an army would help us design a common foreign and security policy," the former Luxembourg prime minister said, but added that the force should not challenge NATO's defense role.

"Europe's image has suffered dramatically and also in terms of foreign policy, we don't seem to be taken entirely seriously."

The proposal was likely to rile opponents of deeper EU integration such as Britain but has won some support from Germany.

Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen said last month that she was confident that "perhaps not my children but my grandchildren will have a United States of Europe" with its own military, news agency DPA reported.

Welt am Sonntag quoted the head of the German parliament's foreign policy committee, Norbert Roettgen, as saying that an EU army "is a European vision whose time has come".

The newspaper said that former NATO Secretary General Javier Solana would present a report on Monday in Brussels entitled "More Union in European Defence" calling for a new European security strategy including military capability to intervene beyond EU borders.