(exclusive) The conclusions (ESDP) of the European Summit of 11-12 Dec.

(B2) According to the first text of the conclusions that I was able to consult, the Summit at the end of the French presidency, which will bring together the 27 Heads of State or Government, on 11 and 12 December in Brussels, should approve a declaration on THE " strengthening the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP)” who approves several decisions. Some have already been discussed and approved at the Council of Defense Ministers on November 10. It is then rather a consecration, an official "imprimatur" (capacities or military Erasmus). Others conclude more recent work, such as the revision of the security strategy (which the Ministers of Foreign Affairs will have meanwhile endorsed on 8 December), the quantified objectives for the ESDP or the strengthening of strategic planning and therefore deserve We dwell on it more (especially this last point).

1. Doctrine: Security Strategy

The first strategy dates from 2003, and gave a “shared analysis of the threats and risks that weigh on the common security interests of Europeans”. This strategy remains valid - the threats identified in 2003 "persist" will say the 27 - but it needs to be updated - with "the emergence of new risks likely to threaten, directly or indirectly, the security of the EU" , in particular energy security.

2. Capacities: to be strengthened

It is necessary " make up for the inadequacy of the means available in Europe by gradually improving civil and military capabilities” will say the 27. It is the condition to be credibly and effectively assume their responsibilities within the framework of the transatlantic partnership”. In a declaration, the 27 thus set quantified objectives to be achieved in terms of capabilities to conduct operations (which is new, and in fact updates the objectives set in Helsinki in 1999). They also confirm the launch of concrete projects (which had already been endorsed by the Council of Defense Ministers on November 10).

3. The industrial base: to be restructured

The 27 should call for a "strengthening of corporate governance mechanisms, a revitalization of the European arms market and an increased effort in research and technology"

4. Training: launch of military Erasmus

The European Council supports “an initiative inspired by the Erasmus program to promote exchanges of young European officers”.

5. Operations planning: strengthened

The Council supports the decision to create a single civil-military strategic planning structure for ESDP operations and missions.

6. EU-NATO cooperation: improved

“A high-level EU-NATO group” will be established in order to “pragmatically improve cooperation between the two organizations on the ground”. It stresses the need to fully involve non-EU European allies in the ESDP

7. International security: concrete actions.

In a declaration, the 27 should decide on “concrete actions to allow the EU to play a more active role in the fight against terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, organized crime and cyber attacks”.