Informal EU Defence Ministerial ends

The ministers discussed the conclusions of the European Council., the Common Security and Defence Policyl, the support to the partner countries and organisations in their capacity building and the development of the political framework to enhance systematic and long-term defence co-operation.

Croatian Deputy Defence Minister presented the Croatian views on the conclusions by the European Council from the December 2013 meeting, emphasising the necessity to remain focussed on the defence topics and the objectives to be implemented. In her address, pledging strong support to the EU Maritime Safety Strategy and announcing an active role by the Republic of Croatia, Ms Tafra stressed the importance of the Mediterranean for the future Maritime Safety Strategy, in view of the deteriorated security situation in the North Africa, Sahel and the Near East.

Ms Tafra also provided an overview of the situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina in the light of the recent turmoils and appealed that the situation demands a wider EU engagement, both regarding the political, social and economic situation, and the due respect requied by its particularity in the process of its Euro-Atlantic integration.
The Ministerial was continued with the discussion on the ongoing EU-led operations, upon the briefings by their respective commanders, and concluded by the review of the situation in the Central African Republic and the preparatory steps for the EU operation in the country (EUFOR CAR).