Speeches 2006
Minister Of Defence Dr. Seppo Kääriäinen, speech at the dinner in relation to the Battle Groups seminar
Ladies and gentlemen,
Welcome all to the Government Banquet Hall to enjoy a dinner after a productive first day of the Battle Groups seminar.
The Finnish EU Presidency is now at its midpoint. We had the Informal Ministerial meeting two weeks ago. In my view, we had a very good meeting in Kittilä. We had useful discussions and made progress on many issues relating to operations, military capabilities development and Civil-Military Coordination (CMCO). I appreciated the constructive participation of my colleagues. This contributed to the successful running of the meeting.
In ESDP matters, the Member State holding the EU Presidency is responsible for taking our common agenda forward. Of course, the Presidency cannot do it alone; this is team work. In addition, the Presidency has a unique role: it can bring its special knowledge and know-how to the benefit of the Union. In my view, the combination of these two elements creates a successful Presidency.
Over the years, the European Union has become a more active global actor. This is an achievement we have all supported. The EU has at its disposal a larger number of instruments than any other international actor. Since Operation Concordia in 2003, military crisis management operations have been included in this EU 'external action tool box'.
During Finland's first EU Presidency we were taking first concrete steps in the development of military crisis management capability for the EU. The launch of the Helsinki Headline Goal Process was a historic decision in 1999. We have now achieved those goals with certain shortfalls and have set ourselves a new Headline Goal reflecting the European Security Strategy. The new goals are more demanding and the new Scrutiny, Assessment and Evaluation Process (SAE Process) requires a lot from the Member States and the EU Military Staff (EUMS). Still, it is important that the process continues according to the timeline agreed by all the Member States. The changing international environment and growing demand for EU action call for developing our capabilities so that we can respond with rapid and decisive action.
The establishment of Battle Groups gives a new tool for the use of the Union.
It will also help the EU to support UN crisis management activities. The EU Battlegroup Concept shows that Member States are willing to face the new challenges and react to the changing operational environment. It is also a positive sign that so many Member States, and two states from outside the EU, have decided to participate in Battle Groups. Multinationality assures that also smaller Member States can participate in Battle Groups and in that way contribute actively to EU efforts to promote peace and security. The fact that almost all EU member-states participate in the Battle Groups also highlights the willingness of all member-states to support ESDP and crises management.
The achievement of Full Operational Capability is an important step. Nevertheless, it does not mean that we can stop further developing the Concept. We must compare our experiences and learn from them. I am convinced that the Battle Groups will be needed in the future and that these operations will provide us with important lessons that will help us in enhancing EU's capabilities.
I propose a toast to this seminar and to everybodys good health. As we say here in Finland: Kippis.