„What are the threats facing the 21st century and how can we tackle their underlying causes? How can we ensure that the collective security system … remains relevant? How can we strengthen European approaches to early warning systems and crisis prevention and management?“ These were among the many questions addressed on Wednesday by the EU High Representative for the common foreign and security policy, Javier SOLANA, when he addressed a joint meeting of the European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee and members of its counterpart committees in national parliaments.

Mr Solana, who has been asked by the European Council to guide a process of reflection on EU security strategy, first of all ran through the new combinations of threats „where risks have become real“. Firstly, there was „mass terrorism capitalising on the persistence of regional conflicts“. Secondly, there was a risk of criminal organisations acquiring weapons of mass destruction with the connivance of rogue states or failed states. Thirdly, he warned of the danger of collusion between religious fundamentalism, international mafia-style organisations and cyber-terrorism.

„But let us focus on three strategic objectives“, said Mr Solana. „We must extend the security zone around Europe and the Balkans to the Caucasus and the Mediterranean periphery if we are to have stable relations with our neighbours“, he explained. „Then we must improve the effectiveness of the United Nations system and of multilateralism. Lastly, we must anticipate and forestall the actual emergence of these threats“, he went on. In addition, Mr Solana recalled that the EU was the only regional organisation with such a wide range of instruments. There was a need for efforts to be combined when using political, diplomatic, economic and financial instruments as well as police and military capabilities, in close cooperation with the United States.

Following Mr Solana’s presentation, MEPs took the floor and asked a number of questions about the EU budget, transatlantic relations and the work of the Convention. Armand DE DECKER, Speaker of the Belgian Senate, highlighted the need to increase budgetary funding. „But resistance is still strong in European countries“, he complained, adding „the biggest obstacle is Europeans themselves“. Philippe MORILLON (EPP-ED, F) stressed the importance of funding for high technology research, a point endorsed by Mr Solana. However, Ulla ANTTILA of the Finnish Parliament noted that „according to opinion polls in Finland, public opinion does not want an increase in defence spending“. Mr Solana said in reply „In times of crisis, the public wants us to act. But we cannot meet these demands without providing ourselves with the resources“.

Catherine LALUMIERE (PES, F) queried the practicalities of transatlantic cooperation, while underlining nevertheless her commitment to „a certain autonomy for Europe“. According to Mr Solana, „we must display pragmatism in this area and see if we share the same perception of risk“.

Another matter raised in the debate was the possible inclusion of a collective defence clause in the future Constitution. Longin PASTUSIAK of the Polish Parliament felt it was unfortunate that „at present, this clause does not make reference to the EU’s relationship with the NATO security system“. In reply, Mr Solana said that the consensus achieved at the Convention amounted to calling above all on the EU to mobilise in the event of a terrorist attack or natural disaster – „but I do not think that the Member States will go further„, he said in conclusion.

Source: European Parlament