Oddly enought the EU has a self-imposed goal of getting it's security forces ready for instant action by 2010. Really? 2010? *Scratches head* If I
remember correctly that's half-way through their next 7 year budget or about 3 1/2 years into this 7 year period. Of course this could all be
speculation, but still I think it's interesting.
Hitting the Helsinki Headline Goal
EU member states have been working towards meeting the so-called Helsinki Headline Goal. This has required developing the necessary military
capabilities to be able by next year to deploy, within 60 days, a force of up to 60,000 troops
Interesting, but what missions are these troops going to be supporting? Read on for more information.
EU-led, crisis-management operations encompass all military missions with the exception of collective defence
With the exception of territories inside the European Union, such missions are possible whenever and wherever politically decided.
So right away we notice that these missions that the EU is preparing for are not defensive missions. That is, these troops are going to be deployed to
enforce the EU's will in other countries. The EU will evidently spot an issue that it thinks it needs to step into and then will insert 60,000 troops
into the situation to make sure that things go their way. Wether or not this is a good idea depends on who's running the show.
Speaking of that, who exactly would be calling the shots in these operations? What European leader is tasked with making these decsions? Ah! I think I
see the answer at the bottom of the first paragraph.
many capability shortfalls that have to be addressed to ensure that the European Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy has teeth.
You can read all about the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) on their own
website. While on that page I noticed a link to the High Representative
for the Common Foreign and Security Policy. Looks like he's the guy that makes the big decisions. Let's see who this is.
*
Click*
"Welcome to the Homepage of Javier Solana"
Well, no suprises there. Not only is he the head of the CFSP, he's also the Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union. You know that the
CFSP already has their foot in the door in Palestine and Israel. It's the EU Police Mission in the Palestinian Territories (EUPOL COPPS). No, really.
I'm not making this stuff up.
See for yourself.
[edit on 13-4-2006 by dbates]