The general affairs and external relations Council, meeting in Brussels on 19-20 May, sanctioned the birth of the first European army in the framework of the European policy for security and defence. 60,000 troops, available within 60 days the so-called ‘rapid reaction force’ will be at service both of the EU’s defensive operations and of the military structure of NATO. The ministers also pledged to boost the defensive military capacity of the EU through the establishment of nine ‘project areas’ aimed to fill the gaps that, sector by sector, characterise the countries of the Union in comparison with the USA. Italy will head the project for the improvement of defence against chemical, biological and nuclear weapons, the UK will guide the ‘headquarters’ area, Germany will be given the job of overseeing air transport. The necessary funds for the development of the European policy of security and defence will grow progressively, also thanks to the decision to exclude part of the military expenditures from the constraints of the stability pact. The Council, lastly, ratified the appointment of General Rolando Mosca Moschini (Italy) as head of the EU Military Committee for a three-year term beginning from 9 April 2003.
