Small steps instead of big projects: France and Germany’s plan to enhance the CSDP

Abstract:

On 12th September 2016 the media in Germany published the Franco-German non-paper on enhancing the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

The document contains proposals with regard to: (1) enhancing the CSDP – improving EU training missions and strengthening the Eurocorps in this area, establishing the European medical headquarters, raising situational awareness via better access to satellite data; (2) accelerating the implementation of the European Council resolutions of 2013 and 2015 regarding the launching of an EU-funded defence research programme, strengthening NATO-EU co-operation, revitalising EU battlegroups; (3) strengthening the European arms industry co-operation – introducing tax incentives to stimulate collaboration within the European Defence Agency, developing joint capabilities (aerial refuelling, satellite communication, cybersecurity, drones) and transparency in the area of domestic defence budgets and modernisation plans. The document calls for the use of permanent structured cooperation (PESCO) to implement the above mentioned proposals.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: The 2016 'Winter Package' on European Security and Defence: Constitutional, Legal and Institutional Implications http://www.europeansources.info/record/the-2016-winter-package-on-european-security-and-defence-constitutional-legal-and-institutional-implications/

ESO: Background information: Civilian CSDP: what next? http://www.europeansources.info/record/civilian-csdp-what-next/

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