Tal
Bryssel 18 maj 2009
Sten Tolgfors, Försvarsminister

Anförande av försvarsminister Sten Tolgfors under försvarsministrarnas lunch vid möte i rådet för allmänna frågor och yttre förbindelser den 18 maj 2009

(det talade ordet gäller)

Since it is the last time we all gather for the first half of the year let me first take this opportunity to commend the Czech Presidency for its great efforts promoting the development of ESDP. It is now our turn to take this work forward.

In the field of ESDP, the overall objective of the Swedish Presidency is to strengthen the European Union as a global and more effective actor.

The Swedish presidency will revolve around three themes:

- Increase usability
- Develop capabilities
- Secure on-going operations and be prepared for the unforeseen

Let me start to explain what I mean with usability. The EU Battlegroups provide the Union with a robust and rapid ability to respond to crises globally. Member States have invested time, money and resources to make this a reality. By doing so, we have taken an important step towards making the Union a credible global actor. At the same time, no battlegroup has ever been deployed. I think it is safe to say that there have been situations where a battle-group could have been used. I would like us to have a political discussion in order to find a common ground on the use of the battlegroup as an instrument for the ESDP. If resources are committed, but never used, the European tax-payer will start to raise questions. The willingness of Member States to commit resources might then decrease, not least when EU struggles to generate sufficient capabilities to other ESDP missions.

My second theme is developing capabilities. I would like us to closely look into maritime surveillance. There is great potential for increased interoperability between military and civilian systems in order to establish common Recognized Maritime Pictures.

I would also like to discuss how the civilian and military capability development processes can be more coherent. We have gained experiences from past and on-going ESDP operations and missions. We must make use of these lessons identified and identify civ-mil requirements and create synergies.

In the area of capabilities, let me also say that the French and Czech Presidencies have put a number of new important issues on the table and we intend to continue to pursue this within the framework of the Europan Defence Agency (EDA).

Next, let me also assure you that during our Presidency, we will attach great importance to our on-going operations. Regarding ATALANTA, the aim is to follow-up on the six-month review and a possible continuation of EU:s engagement in combating piracy.

The possible transformation of Operation Althea will require us to think constructively in order to find a flexible way forward.

Above all, and this leads me to conclude on my three themes, I think we recognize the importance being ready for the unforeseen.

Finally, one common denominator for all the themes is how we can strengthen the cooperation with partner organisations. The EU is already working side by side with both UN and NATO in missions in Africa, Afghanistan and Western Balkan. As has been done by France and the Czech Republic, I like to encourage further dialogue, in particular with NATO, where we must try and find a more pragmatic and constructive relationship. We also want to develop the support provided by both the the EU and the UN to the African Union.

Again, I look forward to working with you and will come back in more detail with our priorities. I would already now want to welcome you all to the informal meeting in Göteborg 28-29 of September.

Thank you.