OSCE and EU co-operation is a cornerstone for security in Europe

VIENNA, 18 January 2001 - Close co-operation between the European Union and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe is a cornerstone for security in Europe. This was the message delivered by Secretary General of the Council of the European Union and High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Mr. Javier Solana, to the OSCE Permanent Council in Vienna today.

"The last decade has presented us with many threats to security and co-operation in Europe. Each has created its own challenges, and each has called for different responses," he said. "But one lesson can be drawn from them all: no single state, institution or organisation is able to meet these challenges and risks on its own."

Mr. Solana noted that EU and OSCE co-operation covers a wide range of areas and issues. He chose this opportunity to focus his remarks on crisis management, particularly the civilian aspects of crisis management.

"Both organizations have seen important developments in this area over the past year. And these developments are rapidly paving the way for a much closer and more operational co-operation between us," he said. "The result will be an increase in our collective capacity to respond to future crises, and wherever possible to take action to prevent the crisis."

He said that "close co-operation with the OSCE is an integral part of our efforts to improve the way we respond to crisis."

He highlighted examples in which the two organizations are co-operating and sharing expertise. They included the planning, preparation and implementation of field activities; rapid deployment of civilian field staff; as well as expertise and experiences relating to police work, rule of law and local administration.

The complete text of the Mr. Solana's speech is available on the Council of the European Union website at: http://ue.eu.int/en/summ.htm

The OSCE Permanent Council is the regular body for political consultation and decision-making on all issues pertinent to the OSCE and is responsible for the day-to-day business of the Organization. Its members are permanent representatives of the 55 OSCE participating States.