P. Gajdoš: We support cooperation between the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance on defence issues
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- Date: 15.11.2016
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Minister of Defence of the Slovak Republic Peter Gajdoš and the European Union Ministers of Defence convened in Brussels for discussions on closer cooperation between the European Union and the North Atlantic Alliance, as well as on the operations being conducted under the Common Security and Defence Policy, with a focus on Libya and the Mediterranean Sea region. Among the topics addressed were the preparations for the European Defence Action Plan, which is being worked out by the European Commission, and the long-term future direction of the European Defence Agency (EDA). The EDA's tasks will be anchored in the EU Global Strategy and the Implementation Plan on Defence and Security, and will be geared towards fostering the development of the EU's key capabilities.
Whilst in the presence of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the Ministers discussed a joint course of actions for implementing the Joint Declaration on EU-NATO Cooperation. Also addressed at the meeting was the security situation in the Mediterranean Sea, i.e. the defence of Europe's southern borders. In this regard, the main focus of interest was on Operation EUNAVFOR MED SOPHIA, which is aimed at disrupting smuggling routes for migrants in the international waters. In any event, Slovakia is committed to supporting accelerated steps in a bid to make the EU capable of limiting the illegal migration from across Africa and via the Western Balkan route, or at least to get the flows of migrants under control.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Gajdoš thanked the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, her team, and his colleagues – ministers for their support of the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union. “We have managed to create the conditions for open discussion on current issues in furtherance of the Common Security and Defence Policy,” concluded the head of the Slovak MOD.
Whilst in the presence of NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, the Ministers discussed a joint course of actions for implementing the Joint Declaration on EU-NATO Cooperation. Also addressed at the meeting was the security situation in the Mediterranean Sea, i.e. the defence of Europe's southern borders. In this regard, the main focus of interest was on Operation EUNAVFOR MED SOPHIA, which is aimed at disrupting smuggling routes for migrants in the international waters. In any event, Slovakia is committed to supporting accelerated steps in a bid to make the EU capable of limiting the illegal migration from across Africa and via the Western Balkan route, or at least to get the flows of migrants under control.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Gajdoš thanked the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, her team, and his colleagues – ministers for their support of the Slovak Presidency of the Council of the European Union. “We have managed to create the conditions for open discussion on current issues in furtherance of the Common Security and Defence Policy,” concluded the head of the Slovak MOD.
