On the 20 May 2012, the President of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, delivered a speech to the NATO Summit in Chicago. There, he highlighted EU defence efforts. In addition to noting the Union’s crisis management operations and comprehensive security approach, he also discussed in detail the changing geo-strategic environment. Noting that Europe is a significant spender on defence, even in the challenging financial climate, he argued for more effective spending through Pooling and Sharing. He said:
“The EU's initiative on Pooling and Sharing provides a common response to European capability shortfalls. I am happy that EU Member States’ efforts on Pooling and Sharing and the efforts of the European Defence Agency are yielding results. Cooperative projects have been agreed to in key areas, which are also of NATO's interest. There is Air-to-Air Refuelling, but also Medical Support, Maritime Surveillance, and Training.
These are promising steps, but they are only a beginning. There is a need for political leadership in all countries to achieve a longer-term policy, which is more sustainable and structured. Firstly, we should explore how Pooling and Sharing could be embedded more systematically in national defence planning. Secondly, we need to strengthen the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base, which is critical to developing Europe's future capabilities.”
This strong endorsement of the European Defence Agency’s work signals the unified political commitment in Europe in favour of progress through defence cooperation.
