Future of the EU's military structures. It's time to act!

The Committee on Foreign Affairs today adopted a Report by Marietta Giannakou MEP, with a large majority, on the EU's military structures and their future prospects.

The Report, 'The EU's military structures: state of play and future prospects', provides a detailed assessment of the military capabilities that have developed at European level till now, with concrete proposals to improve the current institutional framework, overcome the main capabilities shortfalls, and increase the operational effectiveness of EU military operations.

The final text of the Report includes inter alia:

• the creation of a fully-fledged EU Operational Headquarters within the European External Action Service (EEAS) for the operational planning and conduction of military operations;
• common funding of rapid reaction operations using EU battle groups and simplified procedures for their deployment;
• a more structured approach to address key capability shortfalls at European level, in particular in the areas of key force enablers and force multipliers;
• increased support for the European Defence Agency (EDA) and further progress in the implementation of the EDA’s Capability Development Plan;
• conducting joint exercises and military training programmes at European level;
• and strengthening Europe's defence industry, including research and innovation.

Commenting on the vote, the EP Rapporteur, Marietta Giannakou, said: "Unfortunately, the EU is still unable to respond to international crises in a timely and efficient manner. This is a reality that we have to accept and address as soon as possible. December’s EU Defence Council represents a unique occasion to address all these issues at the highest political level. This can inject new dynamism into the political debate on European defence, thus accelerating the pace of reforms. It is an opportunity that cannot be missed."