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On December 11 the Council adopted a decision to establish the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), as laid down in the Lisbon Treaty. This framework of cooperation will enable the 25 Member States party to the decision* to work more closely to "develop jointly defence capabilities, invest in shared projects, and enhance the operational readiness and contribution of their armed forces." Thomas Sohst, President of CESI's 'Defence' Trade Council and affiliate of CESI's member organisation DBwV (the German Armed Forces Association), welcomes the Council's decision.
The decision sets out a list of ambitious common commitments in the field of defence; its adoption is coupled with a political agreement identifying a list of 17 projects to be undertaken under PESCO. The projects cover areas including training, capability development and operational readiness in the field of defence.
Thomas Sohst supports the creation of PESCO. He said: “CESI’s ‘Defence’ Trade Council appreciates the decision of the Council with regard to PESCO taken this week. This is a clear sign that nations participating in PESCO are willing to take responsibility for security from a European point of view. CESI expects from the participating countries that they consider not only European structures and European military equipment but also common regulation on social conditions of military personnel working in the European structures with European-provided equipment.”
Further information about PESCO is available on the Council’s website.
* Denmark, Malta and the UK will not take part in PESCO.
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