Press Release (2002)140 13 Dec. 2002

Statement by the Secretary General Today, NATO and the European Union have taken a major step forward in putting into effect the strategic partnership between the two organizations. The North Atlantic Council agreed to adopt a series of decisions with a view to maintaining a close and transparent relationship with the EU and supporting EU-led operations in which the Alliance as a whole is not engaged militarily in accordance with the decisions taken at the Washington Summit. This is a vital milestone in the history of NATO EU relations. These decisions will provide a permanent framework for joint action in support of peace and stability. They will open a new chapter in what has already been a very fruitful cooperation. I would like to pay tribute to the patience and flexibility of all those in NATO and the EU who have made this important step possible. EU access to NATO planning capabilities able to contribute to military planning for EU-led operations is now assured, effective immediately. These decisions follow a letter from EU High Representative Javier Solana informing me that the European Council has agreed modalities to implement the Nice provisions on the involvement of non-EU European Allies in EU-led operations using NATO assets. Allies are determined to speedily conclude the detailed arrangements for implementing each of the elements of Berlin+. These arrangements should be in place by 1 March 2003.

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