RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE ELDR CONGRESS

AMSTERDAM 2003

The ELDR supports the development of a strong European Defence Capacity. This European Defence Capacity and NATO should be complementary. This will strengthen Europe's position in NATO. All EU Member States are invited to cooperate.

The Union's engagements in defence must be integrated in the European Constitution. The ELDR believes that structural cooperation within the Union should be made possible. However the mutual assistance clause should not be stipulated in the European Constitution. All EU Member States should be able to take part in the decision making process without being obliged to engage themselves in military operations.

The ELDR supports the setting up of a European Armaments Agency. This will enable EU Member States to integrate their procurement procedures for defence equipment, and will lead to economies of scale. This, however, must not result in a closed shop. EU member states will continue to decide on their own procurement and are not restricted to buy European.

The ELDR supports the creation of small, flexible and modern armies that can be engaged rapidly. In order to modernise Europe's defence capabilities, the level of investment should increase. Efficient and rational governance of the armed forces constitutes a priority for Liberals.