Military capabilities: more efficiency with smaller budgets

Current budgetary constraints should be regarded as an opportunity to identify new and more effective ways to develop European military capabilities, concluded the defence ministers at the Foreign Affairs Council on 9 December. Member states can decrease the overall costs of capability development by stepping up cooperation in this field, by "pooling and sharing" military assets and by increasing synergies between the civilian and military activities under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

High Representative Catherine Ashton
presiding over the Foreign Affairs Council
(defence ministers)
© European Union

Member states' military capabilities, which contribute to the European military capability, may come under pressure in the current financial conditions. To reduce the cost of the task, the Council encourages member states to seize all opportunities for cooperation.

One way to achieve this goal is "sharing and pooling". Member states could systematically review their national capabilities and supporting structures to find out what is operationally effective and sustainable and what could be used for sharing.

In addition, member states could increase the interoperability of their military assets and distribute certain tasks among themselves. European Defence Agency will facilitate this cooperation.

Another possibility for avoiding duplication of effort and expenses is civilian and military synergies, especially in the field of dual-use capabilities (e.g. the same helicopters can be used for both military operations and civilian rescue missions).

For this purpose the member states should channel military requirements, standards and relevant information to those civilian bodies whose activities have implications for defence matters.

More information:
Press Release (pdf)
Council conclusions (pdf)
Webcast of press conference 
Common Security and Defence Policy 
Report by the Head of the EDA to the Council (pdf)