If there is no published information as to Defense policy, we might as well have no voice at all.
the site to which you refer me is primarily announcing fait accompli, not inviting debate.
And it is an EU agency. One of Javier Solana's multiple hats is heading the EDF. guaranteed to evoke a violent reaction from police is to challenge their right to "define the situation." --- David Graeber citing Marc Cooper
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The page I linked above is the view from the European Commission (see also this), and it gives you pointers to all the relevant institutions. At the Commission level, I think it is Benita Ferrero-Waldner (EU Commissioner for External Relations) that would have any responsibility for Defence issues.
In the European Parliament it is Committee on Foreign Affairs that has responsibility for the CFSP.
Committee responsible for: 1. the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) and the European security and defence policy (ESDP). In this context the committee is assisted by a subcommittee on security and defence;
One thing we don't do enough of in Europe compared to the US is to contact our representatives directly. You now have a list of all of yours [in the case of the European Parliament you can contact the chairmen of the committees, and document rapporteurs, regardless of nationality or political affiliation]. guaranteed to evoke a violent reaction from police is to challenge their right to "define the situation." --- David Graeber citing Marc Cooper
I'll scour these too, but I can't help entertaining the idea that we're missing the point.
missing the point altogether.
The Togo football federation [/snark of the century]
The Common Foreign and Security Policy seems to follow under the purview of the EU Council. This means it is fully intergovernmental and you are represented in it by your minister, Michèle Alliot-Marie
Meetings bring together the Foreign Ministers of Member States. Ministers responsible for European Affairs, Defence, Development or Trade also participate depending on the items on agenda.
Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) The principles and objectives of the CFSP are to safeguard the common values, fundamental interests, independence and integrity of the Union, in conformity with the principles of the UN Charter; to strengthen the security of the Union in all ways; to preserve peace and strengthen the international community, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter; to promote international cooperation; and to develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. Under the CFSP, the Council adopts Joint Actions and Common Positions. It normally takes decisions by unanimity. The Council also adopts conclusions on the main issues in discussion. The Council is also responsible for the European Security and Defence Policy. Defence Ministers traditionally participate in GAERC [General Affairs and External Relations Council] meetings twice a year, in addition to their informal meetings (also twice a year). The Secretary-General of the Council/High Representative for the CFSP [that would be our friend the omnipresent Javier Solana] participates in General Affairs and External Relations Council meetings and plays a key role in the formulation, preparation and implementation of the CFSP. In the field of CFSP, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) helps define policies by drawing up opinions for the Council, without prejudice to the role of the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) in preparing Council sessions. The PSC also exercises, under the responsibility of the Council, political control and strategic direction of crisis management operations.
The principles and objectives of the CFSP are to safeguard the common values, fundamental interests, independence and integrity of the Union, in conformity with the principles of the UN Charter; to strengthen the security of the Union in all ways; to preserve peace and strengthen the international community, in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter; to promote international cooperation; and to develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law, and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Under the CFSP, the Council adopts Joint Actions and Common Positions. It normally takes decisions by unanimity. The Council also adopts conclusions on the main issues in discussion.
The Council is also responsible for the European Security and Defence Policy. Defence Ministers traditionally participate in GAERC [General Affairs and External Relations Council] meetings twice a year, in addition to their informal meetings (also twice a year).
The Secretary-General of the Council/High Representative for the CFSP [that would be our friend the omnipresent Javier Solana] participates in General Affairs and External Relations Council meetings and plays a key role in the formulation, preparation and implementation of the CFSP.
In the field of CFSP, the Political and Security Committee (PSC) helps define policies by drawing up opinions for the Council, without prejudice to the role of the Permanent Representatives Committee (Coreper) in preparing Council sessions. The PSC also exercises, under the responsibility of the Council, political control and strategic direction of crisis management operations.
