Pooling and Sharing: 4 questions from Cathy to guide the conversation
(Exclusive) Even if the events in Libya are likely to upset its agenda, the Ministers of Defense should essentially devote their Friday morning to talking about "pooling and sharing", in other words sharing capabilities; a necessity in the face of the financial crisis which is strangling many countries.
The High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Cathy Ashton, sent a missive to each of the ministers. Missive which 'B2' was able to read and which intends to "steer" the discussion around 4 questions: the main benefits they expect, the concrete proposals for cooperation that may arise, the way to settle the interdependence that may arise. .. The objective is to be able to arrive at "concrete progress" in May, at the meeting of the Chiefs of Staff (May 3) a new Council of Ministers of Defense (formal) and "tangible achievements" in autumn.
Here is the content of the questions (as I could see it...)
- Where do you think the most significant benefits can be made, taking into account two parameters: where pooling and sharing could help retain critical capabilities; and where budgets could be used cost-efficiently (the two might not be the same)?
- Are there already some possible concrete proposals of cooperation identified by your Services, which could highlight the potential of this Member States' drivent initiative?
- What are the challenges faced by your Services while conducting their national analysis?
- How far can we go down the road to interdependence? Pooling and sharing creates interdependence - how to ensure national access to pooled and shared capabilities?
"Your personal commitment remains vital. I fully count on your continued support." closes this missive from Cathy Ashton. We couldn't say it better!
(*) Sorry for the non-translation of the English original.
