16 Dec. 2002

EU and NATO adopt framework for co-operation A joint declaration adopted by the European Union and NATO on 16 December has opened the way for closer political and military co-operation between the two organisations. The landmark Declaration on the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) provides a formal basis for co-operation between the two organisations in the areas of crisis management and conflict prevention. It outlines the political principles for EU-NATO co-operation and gives the European Union assured access to NATO’s planning and logistics capabilities for its own military operations. NATO and the EU have successfully collaborated in crisis management before, most notably in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (1), but a formal framework for co-operation did not previously exist. “I have said many times standing here that NATO-EU co-operation works in practice, but has not yet worked in theory,” said NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson at a press conference. “Today’s declaration and the work completed over the weekend completes that. We will work in practice and we will work in theory as well.” Additional information: Press Release (2002)142 - EU-NATO declaration on ESDP - 16 December 2002 Press Point following the meeting of the North Atlantic Council with the Political and Security Committee of the European Union - Audio file (.MP3/4431Kb) High resolution photos European Union website Turkey recognises the Republic of Macedonia with its constitutional name.