Defence Ministers Meet in Bratislava

High on the agenda of the conference was the continuing work on the new European Union Global Strategy (EUGS) presented in June. The work related to the implementation plan is closely connected with the implementation of a joint declaration issued at the NATO Warsaw Summit in July, which was the topic of the second working session of the meeting. The declaration identifies several areas where the strengthening of the EU–NATO cooperation and development of closer relations are of key importance.

Dr. István Simicskó said that “the EU needs a kind of defence that exhibits credible military capabilities with regard to the stability of regions that are the origin of illegal migration and more effective measures against terrorism. The citizens of member countries are expecting the EU to take concrete and decisive steps. Hungary calls for a closer defence cooperation in EU, which may form the basis of a common European military force, and strengthens NATO and the security of Europe."

At a working dinner, the ministers reviewed the current situation of ongoing operations in the framework of the common security and defence policy, with special regard to the missions in the Sahel region and the Libyan coasts.

The Hungarian minister of defence held bilateral discussion with his Slovenian counterpart, Defence Minister Andreja Katic. During the meeting, Dr. István Simicskó stated that Slovenia and Hungary are facing the same challenges, so as neighboring countries, our cooperation has special significance. Besides, we welcome Slovenia’s efforts to strengthen its cooperation with the Visegrád Four countries.

Also at the meeting, the representatives of countries contributing to the EU Eastern Partnership Trust Fund, including Hungary’s representatives, also signed the record on Slovakia’s accession. The aim of the Trust Fund is to more involve the participant nations of the EU Eastern Partnership in the common security and defence policy.

The informal meeting of defence ministers aimed at strengthening partnership relations and developing more effective cooperation, as well as at providing guidelines for the content of the EUGS security and defence strategy (SDS). The foreign and defence ministers will discuss the implementation plan in November.

Photo: Ministry of Defence and eu2016sk