Pieter de Crem: Belgium still a candidate for Atalanta command in 2011

• Pieter de Crem, Belgian Defense Minister, will be in charge of Europe for the next semester when Belgium takes its turn as the rotating presidency. A presidency that should be busy in the full rise of the Lisbon Treaty. And, as the meeting in Palma showed, there is no shortage of delicate subjects. The A400M first (Belgium will participate in a solution but what about the Ministry of Finance), Atalanta (no Belgian command in 2010 but application submitted in 2011), Afghanistan (a possible reinforcement of a civilian nature), Cooperation permanent structure (we have put it aside, we must open the discussion), the permanent military OHQ (wait for the times to be ripe).

In Palma, we talked a lot about the Airbus A400M, we seem close to an agreement? What is Belgium's share in this progress?
Belgium is ready to take its share of the 2 billion (which will be distributed proportionally). On the reimbursable advance (which is not part of the contract as such - so only those who want to participate), the Ministry of Defense is not the only decision maker, this must be examined within the government , in particular with the Ministry of Finance, to examine what can be done and how it can be done. A pro rata distribution of orders would be justified.

We also agreed during this meeting, the establishment of formal councils of Ministers of Defense, what do you think?
It's a good proposal. This is important for the rhythm of the meetings as well as for giving political meaning to the decisions of the ministers.

Belgium had applied for a command of the European anti-piracy force Atalanta. But it will not be for 2010 apparently?
The evolution of the political situation in the Netherlands did not allow a solution for 2010. At the end of the year, however, there will be Belgians
(six) and a deputy force commander in place with the French (who will have command). But I remain hopeful, our candidacy remains in place for one of the terms of 2011.

The Dutch are leaving Afghanistan by the end of the year, will the Belgians replace them?
In two years, the workforce has doubled. The government must define the height of our effort for 2011 (up to what is currently at least), the question is open. We have received the request from the Secretary General of NATO and it is being carefully considered. Perhaps the civilian "package" should be strengthened.

Does permanent structured cooperation seem somewhat forgotten today? We talk about it much less since the Lisbon Treaty came into force...
It's true. We put it aside a bit. We want to talk about it. But I am aware that some caution is needed and that today there are other priorities, other important decisions to be made, such as the European External Action Service. This is therefore not the very first subject to be decided. But I am ready to launch the reflection (during the presidency). It is a tool, a lever for all defense and security issues. Now we have to "fill" this enhanced cooperation. See what's in there. The European Defense Agency has a special role to play, it must be strengthened.

Precisely what do we put in permanent structured cooperation, operations, acquisitions?
I think it will be more in the area of ​​capabilities, acquisitions. Structures should not be reinvented for the sake of it. We all face budget constraints. And we all have challenges. There are reforms undertaken in each country. With all this, we have to spare investments and adapt our strengths to the new situation. We no longer do territorial defense but participate in external operations which are another form of protection of territorial integrity.

And the permanent military OHQ, is this a subject that you want to push during your presidency?
It's too early today. Making an announcement effect is surely pleasant. But we have seen what it has given in the past. A nice effect. It's nice. But then nothing. We must move forward on this subject when it is more mature for everyone.

What will be your "defence" priorities, then, under the Belgian presidency?
A bit of patience. The government must decide in a few weeks.

A priority, then?
Acquisitions...