"The European - Security and Defence Union"

months, causing endless hardship for the populations concerned.

Good intentions

The European Union has stepped in frequently and swiftly to meet the most urgent needs, in particular deploying units on the ground to get practical assistance to where it was needed. But if a disaster like the one in Haiti had hit a region in southern Europe or on Europe’s doorstep, would it have been the same picture? In all likelihood Europe would have been hard put to take the lead in resolving the situation. The rising number of disasters has been a wake-up call for the European institutions; their reaction – on the basis of the Lisbon Treaty, under which the EU is called upon to get organised at a multinational level in order to deal with major catastrophes – has been vigorous and swift. The European Parliament, for example, feels duty-bound to call for a coherent approach by the Commission and Council, as well as put forward its own proposals for improving coordination and resources. The interviews and articles in this edition illustrate the serious nature of the EU’s intentions and efforts in the field of crisis management. No longer will it be a matter of leaving things to chance: the current ad hoc procedures are to be replaced by a system of planned cooperation between the EU institutions and nations.

Need for coordination

The question, however, is whether it is possible to coordinate with the mosaic of responsibilities and competences for crisis management put in place within the Commission by its President Manuel Barroso, along the lines of “divide et impera”. On top of that there needs to be coordination with the General Affairs Council which, with its European External Action Service (EEAS), is now properly set up for dealing with crises and sees a greater role for itself in the field of European crisis management. Under the Lisbon Treaty, it is after all up to the Council to determine, on the basis of a proposal by the Commission, how the EU’s crisis-management system is to function. The big question to my mind is to generate synergies given the com - plexity of the patchwork and to coordinate these different responsibilities. How will the very necessary coordination be organised with the military, whose help may at times be required, but only as a last resort? Much more clarity is needed here to apply the comprehensive approach efficiently.

European solidarity

In my view the binding force of solidarity can help Europe move forward in the fields of crisis management and internal security, as well as in other areas. Following the economic and mo ne tary union and the adoption of the euro, could the new locomotive for progress be the principle of solidarity, rather than a defence union? Europe should now work consistently in that direction. Solida rity is about more than taking action: it is a frame of mind. It can point the way forward for Europe as a whole. The experience of solidarity generates a sense of be - longing, a readiness to stand up for each other as well as for others who cannot or are not permitted to join this Europe of ours as members. If Europe heads in that direction, I believe will be on the right track.