EUROPEAN EXTERNAL ACTION SERVICE
EUROPEA UIO
MILITARY STAFF
Brussels, 11 ovember 2011
EEAS 268/2/11
DOCUMET PARTIALLY
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ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC
(17.07.2013)
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CSDP/PSDC
COSDP
OTE
From:
European Union Military Staff
To:
European Union Military Committee
No. Prev. doc.: EEAS 268/1/11 dated 08 November 2011
Subject:
Revised draft Military Recommendation on Pooling and Sharing
AO:
Cdr Philippe Valin
Tel. 02-281 5756
Delegations will find attached a revised draft Military Recommendation to PSC on Pooling and
Sharing as discussed in the EUMCWG on 10 November 2011.
The EUMCWG will discuss this revised draft Military Recommendation on 14 November 2011.
_________________________
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References:
A.
Food for Thought European Imperative Intensifying Military Cooperation in Europe “Ghent –
Initiative” - Berlin and Stockholm, November 2010.
B.
Military Recommendation to PSC on Pooling and Sharing (Doc. 9847/11, dated 19 May
2011).
C.
Council conclusions on Pooling and Sharing of military capabilities (3091st FOREIGN
AFFAIRS Council meeting, 23 May 2011).
D.
Letter of the Chairman of the EUMC to CHODs (CEUMC 7924/11, dated 17 June 2011).
E.
Compilation of Member States' analysis on Pooling and Sharing (Doc. EUMS 12883/1/11
REV 1, dated 19 October 2011).
F.
Pooling and Sharing - first analysis of Member States' final findings - update (Doc. EEAS
266/11, dated 19 October 2011).
G.
Collegiate view ahead of the 27 October EDA Steering Board in Capability Directors format
(Doc. ARES (2011)1133723, dated 24 October 2011).
A.
BACKGROUD
1.
The Foreign Affairs Council on 23 May 2011 called for a structured and long term approach
to pooling and sharing (Ref. B). Member States (MS), with the EUMC support, have
identified potential new cooperative initiatives and confirmed their interest and commitment
in ongoing projects (see the list at annex).
B.
AIM
2.
The aim of this document is to inform the PSC about the EUMC activities on Pooling and
Sharing and to identify possible challenges with a view to the upcoming Foreign Affairs
Council.
C.
COSIDERATIOS
3.
Pooling and Sharing represents a potentially significant step to coping with MS financial
challenges.
4.
CHODs’ Final Findings represent a first significant result in the Pooling and Sharing initiative
in addition to ongoing projects on a regional basis. However, these results are not exclusive
and must be considered as a first identification of possible orientations.
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5.
With cooperative initiatives now identified, it is crucial that more Member States offer
themselves as Lead Nations to take these forward incrementally.
6.
Significant factors, such as the impact on sovereignty, remain to be addressed at the political
level for more ambitious Pooling and Sharing projects.
7.
Pooling and Sharing must be seen as an enduring initiative. Initial short term investments
could be necessary in order to realise longer term savings.
8.
Longer term projects should consider Pooling and Sharing from the very start.
9.
The possible loss of national operational autonomy when entering into Pooling and Sharing
projects is a major constraint within this initiative.
10. The EUMC confirmed the regional or small group approach being the most appropriate way
to initiate projects (Ref G).
11. The EUMC supports the idea of the modular approach emerging from the Pooling and
Sharing initiative with MS contributing complementary packages to a greater capability in a
standardised manner.
12. The EUMC is pleased to note that the EDA will draw upon CHODs’ Final Findings as
analysed by the EUMS.
13. The EUMS analysis has shown that one third of Member States' proposals relate to Training
and Education. Consequently, the EUMS was tasked by the EUMC to propose options to
facilitate Member States' activities in this area.
14. NATO is conducting a similar activity called "Building Capability Through Multinational and
Innovative Approaches". Consultations at staff and political level continue in full
transparency to avoid unnecessary duplications. There is a mutual understanding that there
will be no competition between the organisations and that finally Member States will decide
which projects to follow and, if appropriate, which organisation to ask for support.
15. The EUMC would be prepared to report on progress and eventual decisions for
implementation of projects by May 2012.
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D.
RECOMMEDATIO
16. The EUMC invites the PSC to take into account the considerations developed in this
document in preparation for the Foreign Affairs Council in MoD format on 30 November
2011:
-
CHODs’ Final Findings represent a significant step in the Pooling and Sharing initiative
in addition to ongoing projects on a regional basis.
-
Now crucial that more Member States declare themselves as lead Nations for projects.
-
Various factors seem to hamper more ambitious Pooling and Sharing projects; many of
them remain to be addressed at the political level.
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AEX
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Annex
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Distribution
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