The European Union “must be able to deal with complex, multi-actor and multidimensional crises, while at the same time increasing the efficiency of its missions and operations”. This was the message of the conclusion of the meeting of Foreign Affairs and Defence ministers of France, Germany, Italy, Poland and Spain which took place in Paris on 15 November. Ministers Giulio Terzi and Giampaolo Di Paola represented Italy.
European security and defence policy
The ministers agreed on the need to “foster an ambitious European policy in the field of security and defence. Much has been achieved in the last ten years. The start of three new missions this year is proof of the EU’s ability to act. However, threats to security, including in the European neighbourhood, call for decisive actions.
Europeans must take their share of responsibility to respond more actively to the challenges ahead in order to guarantee Europe’s security”.
The ministers also underscored that “The particular strength of the Common Security and Defence Policy lies in the comprehensive approach to crisis management. By mobilizing all its civilian and military instruments, the European Union must be able to deal with complex, multi-actor and multidimensional crises, while at the same time increasing the efficiency of its missions and operations”.
In this light, “The ongoing reform of the crisis management procedures and the forthcoming EEAS review should enable the EU to act in a timely and effective manner on the whole spectrum of crisis management actions, in close cooperation with international and regional organizations as well as partner countries”.
Horn of Africa and Sahel
The ministers also “share the view that providing support to regional organisations and local authorities to strengthen stability in ungoverned or fragile areas reinforces the security of EU citizens and interests. In this spirit, the EU hsd strengthened its engagement in the Horn of Africa, by continuing to support governance and capacity building for Somalia, and in the Sahel. […] We encourage our partners to enhance efforts for a political solution to the Malian crisis”
Balkans
“Concerning the Balkans, another key area for our security”, the ministers agreed on the need “to discuss with partners the way the EU could optimise its active presence and further contribute to the normalisation of the region”.
