Defensie-akkoord: NAVO blijft ijkpunt (en)

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - EU leaders on Friday morning reached an agreement on European defence that approves the establishment of an autonomous military planning cell.

The deal on a separate military headquarters was first reached by the UK, France and Germany on Thursday night and then endorsed by the rest of the EU members.

Silvio Berlusconi, the Italian Prime Minister and current holder of the EU Presidency, stated that this deal is in full "synergy with NATO".

EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana added that the autonomous planning cell would improve the capabilities for preparations for the EU-led operations. He pointed to the importance of proper planning saying experiences from the past have shown how important this is.

Italian Foreign Minister Franco Frattini said the agreement "completes the pillar of European defence".

With and without NATO

The main planning cell for European operations will still, however, be based in NATO, within SHAPE - the Alliance's planning cell - based in Mons (Belgium). The EU thereby addresses the most pressing of US concerns that a completely autonomous structure would have competed with NATO.

But the arrangement allows the EU to conduct its own operations independently of NATO, whenever it needs. There will also be ways of acting with NATO for possible joint operations.

As a further concession to Washington, NATO will be allowed to send liaison officers to the new planning unit in Brussels.

The European Summit also agreed the principle of structured co-operation in defence that allows groups of countries to advance faster than others and remains open for all countries to join provided they fulfil certain criteria.

The conclusions of the European Council made reference to a "constructive, balanced and forward-looking partnership" with the United States.