19.11.2002 Minister of Defence Mr. Jan-Erik Enestam on EU Defence Ministers´Meeting

Dear Colleagues, Let me make three related points.

First, it is vitally important for us to get ahead in the capabilities work. Our schedule for the next few months will be very demanding, and thus making quick progress will be critical. There are two possible ways to meet the Headline Goal shortfalls: either to receive new force contributions from the Member States or to achieve concrete results from the ECAP process. It is obvious that in fact we need to do both.

However, acquisition of new material will not be the only option. Other creative and costeffective solutions must also be thoroughly analysed. What I am thinking of is the possibility of obtaining material by leasing and pooling or through dormant contracts.

In order to give additional political impulse to the ECAP process we as Ministers of Defence will have to become fully engaged. Therefore we need to have ad hoc high-level meetings to support the panels´ work. This new arrangement should consist of Defence Ministers´ representatives, and could also include financial and procurement expertise. We are also ready to consider the proposal by the Greek Presidency to establish a separate Forum to study the financial and procurement implications of the ECAP panels. In my view such a Forum could be useful after March 1st as the panels have issued their reports.

I would also like to raise the question of the participation of third countries in the ECAP process. I would find it appropriate to include the contributions of third countries, and especially those of candidate countries, in the work conducted during the first half of 2003.

Secondly, Finland is currently reviewing her possibilities to contribute new capabilities to the Headline Goal. There are certainly some areas, such as NBC protection and CIS arrangements, where we already have special expertise. As Finland is preparing to take over as the coordinating nation of KFOR's Multinational Brigade Centre, we have invested in developing CIS equipment. The wide know-how of the Finnish electronics and telecommunications industries has supported us well in this field.

With regard to our current force contribution I would like to mention that we have already allotted almost 70 million euros for the development and equipment of our troops, earmarked to the Headline Goal. This money is spent, for example, to develop the Lead Nation capability within the NORDCAPS concept. In addition, Finland will increase her defence budget in the next years. For example, in 2003 the increase will be almost 2% over this year's budget.

Then to my third and last point. The Greek Presidency has proposed to launch an EU Common Training programme. The basic idea is to foster mutual understanding and respect, and to enhance the ability of respective civilian and military bodies to work together. This is something that we can support. It is, of course, up to the EU Member States themselves to arrange training for their military and civilian officials. However, it is useful to organise also common training by using the existing national and international educational and research facilities.

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