1. The ESDP debate- the Convention on the Future of Europe

2. The Convention format The Working Group VIII and its Final Report Issues: -Constitutional change, the definition of EU’s role in the world -ESDP military and civilian capabilities -The EU/ NATO link - pooling of MSs defense procurement sectors

3. The EU external security policies’ principles and objectives The strategic developments and the European Security Strategy (2003): -the advancement of democracy -rule of law -universal human rights -the international law and the principles of the UN Charter -promotion of economic and social development -integration of all countries into the international economy and liberal trade -Advancement of policies on global resources and sustainable development -confronting man-made disasters

4. The ESDP institutional debate The content of the Petersberg tasks: -generic definition of the Petersberg tasks; both military and civilian aspects; institutional implications -Updating of the Petersberg tasks: defense outstretch activities / the fight against terrorism Institutional cohesion of ESDP- structural reform and legal adjustments Development of the EU capabilities in the defense sphere

5. Institutional cohesion of ESDP- structural reform and legal adjustments Introduction of QMV in the Council, Art. 23(2), TEU rules out applying QMV to decisions having military and defense implications Institutionalizing a Defense Ministers Council Incorporation in the Treaty of provisions for flexibility/ when the Union engages in crisis management operation -the role of the HR for CFSP (right to initiative in crisis management matters; providing a link b/n the military and civilian elements in crisis management operations; power to take urgent decisions in case of ongoing operations on behalf of the Council -Single institutional framework for military and civilian toolkits; the future EU Minister for Foreign Affairs -Flexibility issues: enhanced cooperation and constructive abstention/ problems -Legal adaptation: collective solidarity (political solidarity/ military solidarity) and collective defense in response to terrorist threats

6. Development of the EU capabilities in the defense sphere Rationalizing the procurement market and improving spending practices- a European Armament Agency- contentious issues The European Armament Agency -EAA role and structure -Mission: to support the Council and the MSs in their effort to improve the EU’s defense capabilities in the field of crisis management -Roles: identify the EU’s future defense capabilities requirements; to promote and enhance European armaments cooperation; to strengthen the European defense industrial and technological base; to enhance the effectiveness of European defense R&T -Structure: The HR for CFSP is the Head of the Agency a Steering Board (Defense Ministers of the participating MSs and a representative of the European Commission)- decision-making body of the Agency A Chief Executive for the agency Decision-making: QMV and in the Steering Board; when a MS opposes a decision, the matter is referred to the Council with a view to their issuing guidance, which can be reached on the basis of unanimity.