The current security challenges prove that a strong transatlantic relationship, based on common values, remains of fundamental importance to Europe, President of The European Council Herman Van rompuy said at the NATO Summit.
Speaking about “EU-NATO strategic partnership which we must continue to strengthen”, Van Rompuy recalled that in December 2013 “the European Council clearly affirmed that the European Union assumes its security responsibilities. It adopted a programme that will improve the European Union’s crisis management capability and support Member States’ efforts to develop and maintain the civilian and military capabilities required. From the outset we engaged on this with NATO in a spirit of transparency and cooperation.”
“The EU leaders underlined the need to make EU crisis management tools, both civilian and military, more effective – improving rapid response, financing, but also capacity building to allow countries to take responsibility for their own security. More than 30 EU missions and operations deployed during the last decade have proved their worth,” Van Rompuy said.
“The second important point refers mainly to defence assets. EU leaders encouraged Member States to strive for more systematic and longer-term cooperation in the development, maintenance and operation of military capabilities. Much is being done, but more is required,” he added.
“While increased defence spending is important, so is spending well, avoiding duplications, sharing costs and increasing interoperability. Air-to-air refuelling, drones, satellite communications and cyber security were identified as critical domains,” Van Rompuy said.
