Preparing the Creation of an Intergovernmental Agency in the Field of Defence Capabilities Development, Research, Acquisition and Armaments - Text and Presidency Note (link)

Brussels, 25 Nov 2003

Full text of Document 14086/03
Suite of documents 14086/03

No. prev. doc.: 13717/03
Subject: Preparing the creation of an intergovernmental Agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments

Delegations will find attached the document "intergovernmental Agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments" as established by the Presidency on the basis of the work of the Ad Hoc Preparation Group.

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Full text of Document 14086/03 Corrigendum 01

CORRIGENDUM

Page 5, paragraph 3

Should read:

"In achieving its aims, the Agency shall draw on the competence and expertise of EU Military Committee through the Political and Security Committee (as far as paras a.1), a.2), a.3), a.4) and b.) and the EU National Armament Directors (as far as paras b., c. and d.)."

Page 5, footnote 3

Should read:

"Western European Armament Group / Western European Armament Organisation."

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Full text of Document 14121/03
Suite of documents 14121/03

No. prev. doc.: 13717/03
- 14086/03
Subject: Preparing the creation of an intergovernmental Agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments

1. On 4 September 2003 the COREPER has decided to set up the Ad Hoc Preparation Group to prepare the creation of an "intergovernmental Agency in the field of defence capabilities development, research, acquisition and armaments". In accordance with this decision, the Ad Hoc Preparation Group met in September (8, 24) and in October (6, 14, 28) to define the basic elements for the creation of the Agency. The Presidency submits to COREPER the document distributed under 14086/03 , which is the outcome of the group's work. The document foresees a flexible and progressive approach allowing a phased implementation, where the initial stage is designed to define the Agency's functioning modalities.

2. A general reservation was expressed by the German delegation. This reservation is related in particular to the role of Ministers of Defence and the integration of National Armaments

Directors in the institutional framework of the European Union. Some delegations raised concerns on institutional issues such as the relations with the EU existing bodies, the decision- making process and the role of the Commission.

3. The Presidency requests COREPER's guidance to pursue the work.

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