Slovenia took over the presidency of the EU for the first half of 2008. The chance was given to one of the new countries of Central and Eastern Europe, reputedly Atlanticist and little interested in the defence aspects of Europe, to demonstrate its ability to advance European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). As the third member state of the presidential trio, also composed of Germany (first half of 2007) and Portugal (second half of 2007), Slovenia was linked to them through a common programme. France succeeded it on 1 July 2008 in the setting of a new trio with the Czech Republic and Sweden. It can hardly be claimed that Slovenia provided a major boost to European defence. It nonetheless managed to take forward the most important issues and to launch the three operations which had been prepared under the previous presidencies—in Kosovo, Chad and the Central African Republic, and Guinea-Bissau.

A Satisfactory Operational Result

Kosovo, Chad/CAR, Guinea-Bissau: the New ESDP
Operations

The EULEX Kosovo mission was established by the Council on the basis of a joint action on 4 February 2008. It is a mission aimed at strengthening the rule of law and contributing to the stability of the region. The operation, which is in the process of deploying, is expected to last for more than two years, until June 2010. Some third-party countries, including the United States, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey, are willing to participate in it. The EU is also present in the form of its Special Representative for Kosovo, Peter Feith, appointed on 4 February 2008. The hope is that the differences existing between the member states, especially over the question of the province’s independence, will not affect the Union’s operational effectiveness.

Although the Union has ceased its support activities for AMIS II in Sudan, EUFOR Chad/CAR has deployed in the east of Chad and the north-east of the CAR, on the basis of a joint decision of the Council dated 28 January 2008. An initial operational capability was achieved by 15 March and full capability by the end of June. The operation is authorised by UN Security Council Resolution 1778 (2008), which entrusts the military aspects of the international presence in the region to the EU. EUFOR is to contribute to the protection of refugees and displaced people, create favourable conditions for their return to their places of origin, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid and provide security for the UN mission. This mission must operate in conformity with the diplomatic efforts made by the Union to facilitate inter-Chadian and regional dialogue, and with the Community programmes operating under the aegis of the Commission.