Plausible deniability - we are not among the founding nations of this Military police force in Vincenza, Italy, therefore it doesn't exist!!!
BUT they have to agree arrangements for our forces to be included, and it is listed as EUROGENDFOR see:
Treaty
Blog
website
Treaty follows with comments:
I have highlighted pertinent parts for ease of getting the gist, and made comments in red.
Jane
TREATY OF VELSEN
Between the Kingdom of Spain, the French Republic, the Italian Republic, the Kingdom of
The Netherlands and the Portuguese Republic,
The Netherlands and the Portuguese Republic,
establishing the
European Gendarmerie Force
EUROGENDFOR
The Kingdom of Spain,
The French Republic,
The Italian Republic,
The Kingdom of The Netherlands
and
The Portuguese Republic,
Hereinafter referred to as the “Parties”,
Considering the Declaration of Intent on EUROGENDFOR as signed in Noordwijk on 17
September 2004;
September 2004;
Considering the North Atlantic Treaty signed in Washington on 4 April 1949;
Considering the Charter of the United Nations signed at San Francisco on 26 June 1945;
Considering the Agreement between the Parties to the North Atlantic Treaty regarding the
Status of their Forces, signed in London on 19 June 1951;
Status of their Forces, signed in London on 19 June 1951;
Considering the Treaty on the European Union as amended by the Treaty of Nice, signed on
26 February 2001;
26 February 2001;
Considering the Final Act of the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, signed
in Helsinki on 1 August 1975;
in Helsinki on 1 August 1975;
Considering the Agreement between the Member States of the European Union concerning
the status of military and civilian staff seconded to the institutions of the European Union, of
the headquarters and forces which may be made available to the European Union in the
context of the preparation and execution of the tasks referred to in Article 17(2) of the Treaty
on European Union, including exercises, and of the military and civilian staff of the Member
States put at the disposal of the European Union to act in this context, signed in Brussels on
17 November 2003;
the status of military and civilian staff seconded to the institutions of the European Union, of
the headquarters and forces which may be made available to the European Union in the
context of the preparation and execution of the tasks referred to in Article 17(2) of the Treaty
on European Union, including exercises, and of the military and civilian staff of the Member
States put at the disposal of the European Union to act in this context, signed in Brussels on
17 November 2003;
Contributing to the development of the European Security and Defence Identity and
strengthening the common European Security and Defence Policy;
strengthening the common European Security and Defence Policy;
Have agreed as follows:
Chapter I
General terms
Article 1
Object
1. The object of this Treaty is to establish a European Gendarmerie Force, which shall
be operational, pre-organised, robust, and rapidly deployable, exclusively
comprising elements of police forces with military status of the Parties, in order to
perform all police tasks within the scope of crisis management operations.
2. This Treaty defines the fundamental principles in respect of the objectives, the
status, the modalities of organisation and the operation of the European
Gendarmerie Force, hereinafter referred to as EUROGENDFOR or EGF.
Article 2
be operational, pre-organised, robust, and rapidly deployable, exclusively
comprising elements of police forces with military status of the Parties, in order to
perform all police tasks within the scope of crisis management operations.
2. This Treaty defines the fundamental principles in respect of the objectives, the
status, the modalities of organisation and the operation of the European
Gendarmerie Force, hereinafter referred to as EUROGENDFOR or EGF.
Article 2
Principles
The terms of this Treaty are based on the application of principles of reciprocity and cost
sharing.
sharing.
Article 3
Definitions
For the purposes of this Treaty the expression:
a. EUROGENDFOR means the multinational police force with military status
composed of:
i) the Permanent HQ;
composed of:
i) the Permanent HQ;
ii) the EGF Forces designated by the Parties following the transfer of authority.
b. PERMANENT HQ means the multinational, modular and projectable Permanent
Headquarters, located in Vicenza (Italy). The role and structure of the Permanent
HQ and its involvement in an operation shall be approved by CIMIN;
c. PERMANENT HQ PERSONNEL means the members of a police force with
military status assigned by the Parties to the Permanent HQ as well as a limited
number of civilian personnel designated by the Parties, permanently supporting
the functioning of the Permanent HQ in an advisory or assisting role;
d. EGF FORCES means the personnel of the police forces with military status
assigned by the Parties to EUROGENDFOR to fulfil a mission or an exercise,
following the transfer of authority and a limited number of other personnel
designated by the Parties in an advisory or supporting role;
e. FORCE HQ means the multinational headquarters activated in an area of
operation to support the EGF Force Commander in exercising command and
control for the mission;
f. EUROGENDFOR PERSONNEL means the Permanent HQ Personnel and the
members of the EGF Forces;
g. CIMIN means the High Level Interdepartmental Committee. It is the decision-
making body governing EUROGENDFOR;
h. EGF COMMANDER means the officer appointed by CIMIN in command of the
Permanent HQ and where appropriate EGF Forces;
i. EGF FORCE COMMANDER means the officer appointed by CIMIN to command
an EGF mission;
j. SENDING STATE means the Party that supplies EUROGENDFOR with forces
and/or personnel;
k. HOST STATE means the Party on whose territory the Permanent HQ is located;
l. RECEIVING STATE means the Party on whose territory EGF Forces are
stationed or in transit;
m. CONTRIBUTING STATE means a State that is not a Party to this Treaty but
participates in EUROGENDFOR missions and tasks;
n. FAMILY MEMBER(S) means:
i) the spouse of a member of the Permanent HQ Personnel;
ii) any other person who has contracted a registered partnership with a member
of the Permanent HQ Personnel, on the basis of the legislation of the Sending
State, provided that the legislation of the Host State considers registered
partnerships as equivalent to marriage and in accordance with the conditions laid
down in the relevant legislation of the Host State;
of the Permanent HQ Personnel, on the basis of the legislation of the Sending
State, provided that the legislation of the Host State considers registered
partnerships as equivalent to marriage and in accordance with the conditions laid
down in the relevant legislation of the Host State;
iii) direct descendants who are under the age of 21 or are dependents and those
of the spouse or partner as defined in point ii);
of the spouse or partner as defined in point ii);
iv) dependent direct relatives in the ascending line and those of the spouse or
partner as defined in point ii).
partner as defined in point ii).
Chapter II
Missions, Engagement and Deployment
Article 4
Missions and tasks
1. In accordance with the mandate of each operation and operating independently or
jointly with other forces, EUROGENDFOR must be capable of covering the full
spectrum of police missions, through substitution or strengthening, during all the
phases of a crisis management operation.
2. EGF Forces can be placed either under civilian authority or under military command.
3. EUROGENDFOR may be used for:
a. performing security and public order missions;
b. monitoring, advising, mentoring and supervising local police in their day-to-day
work, including criminal investigation work;
c. conducting public surveillance, traffic regulations, border policing and general
intelligence work;
d. performing criminal investigation work, including detecting offences, tracing
offenders and transferring them to the appropriate judicial authorities;
e. protecting people and property and keeping order in the event of public
disturbances;
f. training police officers as regards international standards;
g. training instructors, particularly through co-operation programmes.
Article 5
jointly with other forces, EUROGENDFOR must be capable of covering the full
spectrum of police missions, through substitution or strengthening, during all the
phases of a crisis management operation.
2. EGF Forces can be placed either under civilian authority or under military command.
3. EUROGENDFOR may be used for:
a. performing security and public order missions;
b. monitoring, advising, mentoring and supervising local police in their day-to-day
work, including criminal investigation work;
c. conducting public surveillance, traffic regulations, border policing and general
intelligence work;
d. performing criminal investigation work, including detecting offences, tracing
offenders and transferring them to the appropriate judicial authorities;
e. protecting people and property and keeping order in the event of public
disturbances;
f. training police officers as regards international standards;
g. training instructors, particularly through co-operation programmes.
Article 5
Framework for the missions
EUROGENDFOR may be placed at disposal of the European Union (EU) and also of the
United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and other international organisations or an ad hoc
coalition.
United Nations (UN), the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and other international organisations or an ad hoc
coalition.
Article 6
Conditions for engagement and deployment
1. Conditions for engagement and deployment of EUROGENDFOR, decided upon by
CIMIN on a case by case basis, shall be covered by a specific mandate for each
operation and shall be subject to the necessary agreements between the Parties
and the requesting organisation.
2. To prepare the missions assigned to EUROGENDFOR, the Parties may, under the
direction of CIMIN, station and deploy their own forces and personnel on the territory
of the other Parties.
3. Stationing and deployment on the territory of a third State shall be covered by an
agreement between the Sending States and the third State specifying the conditions
of such stationing and deployment, bearing in mind the fundamental principles of
this Treaty.
Chapter III
CIMIN on a case by case basis, shall be covered by a specific mandate for each
operation and shall be subject to the necessary agreements between the Parties
and the requesting organisation.
2. To prepare the missions assigned to EUROGENDFOR, the Parties may, under the
direction of CIMIN, station and deploy their own forces and personnel on the territory
of the other Parties.
3. Stationing and deployment on the territory of a third State shall be covered by an
agreement between the Sending States and the third State specifying the conditions
of such stationing and deployment, bearing in mind the fundamental principles of
this Treaty.
Chapter III
Institutional and legal aspects
Article 7
CIMIN note in 1. it doesn't say country, it says party. (supranational parties)
1. CIMIN consists of representatives of the appropriate ministries of each Party. The
choice of the representatives is a national responsibility. Specific details with respect
to the membership, structure, organisation and functioning of CIMIN shall be defined
by the rules to be adopted by CIMIN.
2. Decisions and guidelines shall be adopted unanimously by CIMIN.
3. The general tasks of CIMIN include the following:
a. exercising political control over and giving strategic direction to EUROGENDFOR
and assuring political-military co-ordination among the Parties and, where
appropriate, with the Contributing States;
b. appointing the EGF Commander and providing him or her with directives;
c. approving the role and the structure of the Permanent HQ and also the rotation
criteria for the key positions within the Permanent HQ;
d. appointing the Chairman of the Financial Board and deciding on the criteria for
rotating the chairmanship.
e. monitoring the implementation of the objectives stated in this Treaty;
f. approving the annual training objectives and programme proposed by the EGF
Commander;
g. deciding on:
i) participation of EUROGENDFOR in missions;
choice of the representatives is a national responsibility. Specific details with respect
to the membership, structure, organisation and functioning of CIMIN shall be defined
by the rules to be adopted by CIMIN.
2. Decisions and guidelines shall be adopted unanimously by CIMIN.
3. The general tasks of CIMIN include the following:
a. exercising political control over and giving strategic direction to EUROGENDFOR
and assuring political-military co-ordination among the Parties and, where
appropriate, with the Contributing States;
b. appointing the EGF Commander and providing him or her with directives;
c. approving the role and the structure of the Permanent HQ and also the rotation
criteria for the key positions within the Permanent HQ;
d. appointing the Chairman of the Financial Board and deciding on the criteria for
rotating the chairmanship.
e. monitoring the implementation of the objectives stated in this Treaty;
f. approving the annual training objectives and programme proposed by the EGF
Commander;
g. deciding on:
i) participation of EUROGENDFOR in missions;
ii) participation of Contributing States in EUROGENDFOR missions;
iii) requests for co-operation by third States, international organisations or others.
h. elaborating the framework for actions led by EUROGENDFOR or at the request
of the EU, the UN, the OSCE, NATO, other international organisations or an ad
hoc coalition;
i. defining the framework for each mission, where appropriate in consultation with
relevant international organisations, namely:
i) designation of the EGF Force Commander;
ii) involvement of the Permanent HQ in the chain of command.
j. approving the structure of the Force HQ;
k. guiding and assessing EUROGENDFOR activities in case of deployment;
l. deciding on the need to conclude the security agreements referred to in Article
12, paragraph 3.
4. CIMIN approves main actions related to the administrative aspects of the Permanent
HQ, and to EUROGENDFOR deployment issues, in particular the annual budget
and the other financial matters in accordance with Chapter X.
5. CIMIN, following its specific guidelines:
a. evaluates the fulfilment of the conditions for accession to the Treaty, in
accordance with Article 42, and forwards its proposal for approval to the Parties;
b. decides whether to grant Observer Status within EUROGENDFOR, in
accordance with Article 43;
c. decides whether to grant Partner Status within EUROGENDFOR, in accordance
with Article 44.
6. Meetings of CIMIN will be held in accordance with the rules of procedures as
adopted by CIMIN.
Article 8
EGF Commander
The EGF Commander shall carry out the following main tasks:
a. commanding the Permanent HQ and establishing regulations for its functioning
as needed;
b. implementing the directives received from CIMIN;
c. being expressly mandated by the Parties through CIMIN, and on its behalf,
negotiating and concluding technical agreements or arrangements necessary for
the proper functioning of EUROGENDFOR and for conducting exercises or
operations carried out on the territory of a third State;
d. taking all measures necessary, in accordance with the laws of the Host State, to
maintain order and security within its installations and, as necessary, outside its
installations with the prior consent and assistance of the authorities of the Host
State;
e. drawing up the budget for common costs of EUROGENDFOR and, after the end
of the financial year, the final report related to the expenses of EUROGENDFOR
for that year;
f. commanding EGF Forces, where appropriate.
Article 9
as needed;
b. implementing the directives received from CIMIN;
c. being expressly mandated by the Parties through CIMIN, and on its behalf,
negotiating and concluding technical agreements or arrangements necessary for
the proper functioning of EUROGENDFOR and for conducting exercises or
operations carried out on the territory of a third State;
d. taking all measures necessary, in accordance with the laws of the Host State, to
maintain order and security within its installations and, as necessary, outside its
installations with the prior consent and assistance of the authorities of the Host
State;
e. drawing up the budget for common costs of EUROGENDFOR and, after the end
of the financial year, the final report related to the expenses of EUROGENDFOR
for that year;
f. commanding EGF Forces, where appropriate.
Article 9
Legal capacity
1. To achieve its objectives and accomplish its missions and tasks set forth in this
Treaty, EUROGENDFOR has legal capacity within each of the Parties to enter into
contracts. EUROGENDFOR may consequently appear in court, where necessary.
2. For the purposes set forth in paragraph 1, EUROGENDFOR shall be represented by
the EGF Commander or by any other person expressly designated by the EGF
Commander to act on his or her behalf.
3. The EGF Commander and the Host State may agree that the Host State acts in
subrogation in all actions to which EUROGENDFOR is a Party before the courts in
that State. In that case, EUROGENDFOR must reimburse costs incurred.
Treaty, EUROGENDFOR has legal capacity within each of the Parties to enter into
contracts. EUROGENDFOR may consequently appear in court, where necessary.
2. For the purposes set forth in paragraph 1, EUROGENDFOR shall be represented by
the EGF Commander or by any other person expressly designated by the EGF
Commander to act on his or her behalf.
3. The EGF Commander and the Host State may agree that the Host State acts in
subrogation in all actions to which EUROGENDFOR is a Party before the courts in
that State. In that case, EUROGENDFOR must reimburse costs incurred.
Chapter IV
Permanent HQ facilities
Article 10
Facilities granted by the Host State
1. The Host State undertakes to provide at no charge the Permanent HQ facilities
required for EUROGENDFOR to carry out its tasks. Such facilities are identified in a
specific document approved by CIMIN.
2. The Host State will take all reasonable measures required to ensure the availability
of required services, in particular electricity, water, natural gas, postal services,
telephone and telegraph services, waste collection and fire protection to the
Permanent HQ. Conditions concerning the Host State support services will be
further specified in implementing arrangements between the appropriate authorities
of the Parties.
Article 11
required for EUROGENDFOR to carry out its tasks. Such facilities are identified in a
specific document approved by CIMIN.
2. The Host State will take all reasonable measures required to ensure the availability
of required services, in particular electricity, water, natural gas, postal services,
telephone and telegraph services, waste collection and fire protection to the
Permanent HQ. Conditions concerning the Host State support services will be
further specified in implementing arrangements between the appropriate authorities
of the Parties.
Article 11
Access permission
Upon receipt of a substantiated request, the EGF Commander must authorise agents of the
competent service to inspect, repair, maintain, rebuild or move installations, electrical
networks and pipes within the infrastructure of the Permanent HQ, provided that those
activities present no obstacle to normal operations and security.
competent service to inspect, repair, maintain, rebuild or move installations, electrical
networks and pipes within the infrastructure of the Permanent HQ, provided that those
activities present no obstacle to normal operations and security.
Chapter V
Protection of information
Article 12
Protection of information
1. The basic principles and minimum standards for the protection of classified
information or material shall be set out in a security agreement between the Parties.
2. The Parties shall take all appropriate measures in accordance with their international
obligations and their national laws and regulations to protect any classified
information or material which is produced by or released to EUROGENDFOR.
3. The exchange of classified information or material with third States or international
organisations shall be covered by specific security agreements that shall be
negotiated, signed and approved by the Parties.
Chapter VI
information or material shall be set out in a security agreement between the Parties.
2. The Parties shall take all appropriate measures in accordance with their international
obligations and their national laws and regulations to protect any classified
information or material which is produced by or released to EUROGENDFOR.
3. The exchange of classified information or material with third States or international
organisations shall be covered by specific security agreements that shall be
negotiated, signed and approved by the Parties.
Chapter VI
Provisions concerning the personnel
Article 13
Respect for laws in force
EUROGENDFOR Personnel and their family members must respect the law in force in the
Host State or the Receiving State. In addition, EUROGENDFOR Personnel must refrain from
Host State or the Receiving State. In addition, EUROGENDFOR Personnel must refrain from
carrying out any activities incompatible with the spirit of this Treaty while on the territory of
the Host State or the Receiving State.
Article 14
Entry and residence
With respect to immigration regulations and the formalities of the law governing entry and
residence, the Permanent HQ Personnel and their family members are not subject to
regulations in force in the Host State applicable to foreigners.
residence, the Permanent HQ Personnel and their family members are not subject to
regulations in force in the Host State applicable to foreigners.
Article 15
Legal and medical aspects in the event of death
1. In the event of death of military or civilian personnel, if the authorities of the Host
State or the Receiving State request that an autopsy be performed in the context of
a legal or administrative procedure, a representative of the Sending State is
authorised to be present during the autopsy.
2. The authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State must authorise the transfer
of the mortal remains to the Sending State in accordance with the transportation
regulations in force on the territory of the Host State or the Receiving State that
apply to mortal remains.
Article 16
State or the Receiving State request that an autopsy be performed in the context of
a legal or administrative procedure, a representative of the Sending State is
authorised to be present during the autopsy.
2. The authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State must authorise the transfer
of the mortal remains to the Sending State in accordance with the transportation
regulations in force on the territory of the Host State or the Receiving State that
apply to mortal remains.
Article 16
Uniforms and arms
1. EUROGENDFOR Personnel shall wear their uniform in accordance with their
respective national rules. The EGF Commander may establish specific procedures
where appropriate.
2. EUROGENDFOR Personnel may possess, carry and transport arms, ammunitions,
other weapon systems and explosives on the conditions that they are authorised to
do so by their orders and that they do so in accordance with the laws of the Host
State and the Receiving State.
Article 17
respective national rules. The EGF Commander may establish specific procedures
where appropriate.
2. EUROGENDFOR Personnel may possess, carry and transport arms, ammunitions,
other weapon systems and explosives on the conditions that they are authorised to
do so by their orders and that they do so in accordance with the laws of the Host
State and the Receiving State.
Article 17
Driving licences
Military driving licences issued by each of the Parties are equally valid on the territory of all
States that are Party to this Treaty and allow bearers to drive all EUROGENDFOR vehicles
of the relevant category in the performance of official duty.
States that are Party to this Treaty and allow bearers to drive all EUROGENDFOR vehicles
of the relevant category in the performance of official duty.
Article 18
Medical assistance
1. Medical assistance is guaranteed to EUROGENDFOR Personnel and their family
members under the same conditions as it is provided to personnel of the same rank
or equivalent category of the Host State or the Receiving State.
2. Medical care shall be provided in accordance with the terms agreed by the
appropriate authorities of the Parties.
members under the same conditions as it is provided to personnel of the same rank
or equivalent category of the Host State or the Receiving State.
2. Medical care shall be provided in accordance with the terms agreed by the
appropriate authorities of the Parties.
Chapter VII
Privileges and immunities
Article 19
Tax and customs
1. When used for official purposes, assets, income and other property, belonging to
EUROGENDFOR, are exempt from all direct taxation.
2. The purchase for a substantial amount of goods or services by EUROGENDFOR for
official use is exempt from turnover tax and other forms of indirect taxes.
3. The import of goods and merchandise necessary for official use by
EUROGENDFOR is exempt from custom duties and other indirect taxes.
4. EUROGENDFOR vehicles intended for official use are exempt from road registration
taxes.
5. The provisions of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall not apply to EGF Forces.
6. Purchases and imports of fuel and lubricants needed for official use by
EUROGENDFOR are exempt from custom duties and other indirect taxes. That
exemption does not apply to purchases and imports by EGF Forces on their own
territory.
7. Purchased or imported goods and merchandise that are exempt or that qualify for
reimbursement in accordance with the terms of this Article may only be transferred
or placed at the disposal of a third party, either free of charge or for a price, in
accordance with the conditions set by the Party granting the exemptions or
reimbursements.
8. In any event, EUROGENDFOR is not entitled to any exemption from taxes and
duties that constitute payment for public utility services.
9. No exemption from duties or taxes, of whatever kind, may be granted for the
procurement of military materials and equipment.
Article 20
EUROGENDFOR, are exempt from all direct taxation.
2. The purchase for a substantial amount of goods or services by EUROGENDFOR for
official use is exempt from turnover tax and other forms of indirect taxes.
3. The import of goods and merchandise necessary for official use by
EUROGENDFOR is exempt from custom duties and other indirect taxes.
4. EUROGENDFOR vehicles intended for official use are exempt from road registration
taxes.
5. The provisions of paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 shall not apply to EGF Forces.
6. Purchases and imports of fuel and lubricants needed for official use by
EUROGENDFOR are exempt from custom duties and other indirect taxes. That
exemption does not apply to purchases and imports by EGF Forces on their own
territory.
7. Purchased or imported goods and merchandise that are exempt or that qualify for
reimbursement in accordance with the terms of this Article may only be transferred
or placed at the disposal of a third party, either free of charge or for a price, in
accordance with the conditions set by the Party granting the exemptions or
reimbursements.
8. In any event, EUROGENDFOR is not entitled to any exemption from taxes and
duties that constitute payment for public utility services.
9. No exemption from duties or taxes, of whatever kind, may be granted for the
procurement of military materials and equipment.
Article 20
Individual privileges
1. EUROGENDFOR Personnel mentioned in Article 3 paragraph c, who are not
permanently resident in or nationals of the Host State, at the time of their first arrival
to take up service in such State, may - within one year from the time of their first
arrival and for two shipments maximum - import from the State of last residence or
the State of citizenship their personal belongings and furniture, including one motor
vehicle, free of customs duties and other indirect taxes, or buy free of turnover tax
such items for a substantial amount in the Host State.
2. The provisions of paragraph 1 shall only apply if a member of the personnel is
assigned for a minimum of one year.
3. For the provisions of this Article to apply, the member of the personnel concerned
shall make a request to the authorities of the Host State within a year after his or her
first arrival.
4. Goods which have been imported duty free referred to in paragraph 1 may be re-
exported freely.
5. Motor vehicles referred to in paragraph 1 and those registered in another EU
Member State, with the limit of one vehicle for each member of the above-mentioned
personnel, are exempt from road registration taxes, for the term of service of such
personnel in the Host State.
permanently resident in or nationals of the Host State, at the time of their first arrival
to take up service in such State, may - within one year from the time of their first
arrival and for two shipments maximum - import from the State of last residence or
the State of citizenship their personal belongings and furniture, including one motor
vehicle, free of customs duties and other indirect taxes, or buy free of turnover tax
such items for a substantial amount in the Host State.
2. The provisions of paragraph 1 shall only apply if a member of the personnel is
assigned for a minimum of one year.
3. For the provisions of this Article to apply, the member of the personnel concerned
shall make a request to the authorities of the Host State within a year after his or her
first arrival.
4. Goods which have been imported duty free referred to in paragraph 1 may be re-
exported freely.
5. Motor vehicles referred to in paragraph 1 and those registered in another EU
Member State, with the limit of one vehicle for each member of the above-mentioned
personnel, are exempt from road registration taxes, for the term of service of such
personnel in the Host State.
Article 21
Inviolability of the premises, buildings and archives
1. The premises and buildings of EUROGENDFOR shall be inviolable in the territory of
the Parties.
2. The authorities of the Parties may not enter the premises and buildings, referred to
in paragraph 1, without the prior consent of the EGF Commander, or where
applicable, the EGF Force Commander. Such consent shall be assumed in the
event of natural disaster, fire or any other event requiring immediate protective
measures. In other cases, the EGF Commander, or where applicable, the EGF
Force Commander, shall give serious consideration to a request for permission from
the authorities of the Parties to enter the premises and buildings, without prejudice
to interests of EUROGENDFOR.
3. The archives of EUROGENDFOR shall be inviolable. The inviolability of the archives
shall be understood to apply to all records, correspondence, manuscripts,
photographs, films, recordings, documents, computer data, computer files or any
other data carrier belonging to or held by EUROGENDFOR, wherever they are
located in the territory of the Parties.
Article 22
the Parties.
2. The authorities of the Parties may not enter the premises and buildings, referred to
in paragraph 1, without the prior consent of the EGF Commander, or where
applicable, the EGF Force Commander. Such consent shall be assumed in the
event of natural disaster, fire or any other event requiring immediate protective
measures. In other cases, the EGF Commander, or where applicable, the EGF
Force Commander, shall give serious consideration to a request for permission from
the authorities of the Parties to enter the premises and buildings, without prejudice
to interests of EUROGENDFOR.
3. The archives of EUROGENDFOR shall be inviolable. The inviolability of the archives
shall be understood to apply to all records, correspondence, manuscripts,
photographs, films, recordings, documents, computer data, computer files or any
other data carrier belonging to or held by EUROGENDFOR, wherever they are
located in the territory of the Parties.
Article 22
Immunity from execution
The property and funds of EUROGENDFOR and the goods which have been placed at its
disposal for official purposes, wherever located and by whomsoever held, shall be immune
from any executive measure in force in the territory of the Parties.
disposal for official purposes, wherever located and by whomsoever held, shall be immune
from any executive measure in force in the territory of the Parties.
Article 23
Aspects of communications
1. The Parties will take all reasonable measures to ensure the smooth flow of official
communications of EUROGENDFOR.
2. EUROGENDFOR has the right to receive and transmit encrypted messages, as well
as to send and receive correspondence and official packages by courier or in sealed
cases, which may not be opened or held.
3. Communications addressed to or received by EUROGENDFOR may not be
intercepted or interfered with.
Article 24
communications of EUROGENDFOR.
2. EUROGENDFOR has the right to receive and transmit encrypted messages, as well
as to send and receive correspondence and official packages by courier or in sealed
cases, which may not be opened or held.
3. Communications addressed to or received by EUROGENDFOR may not be
intercepted or interfered with.
Article 24
Domicile for tax purposes
With respect to income taxes and property taxes, Permanent HQ Personnel who, solely on
the basis of their function in the service of the Permanent HQ establish residence in the Host
State, shall be considered as maintaining their domicile for tax purposes in the Sending State
that pays the salary for the services carried out in regard to the Permanent HQ. This term
shall also apply to family members who do not engage in professional or commercial
activities within the Host State.
the basis of their function in the service of the Permanent HQ establish residence in the Host
State, shall be considered as maintaining their domicile for tax purposes in the Sending State
that pays the salary for the services carried out in regard to the Permanent HQ. This term
shall also apply to family members who do not engage in professional or commercial
activities within the Host State.
Chapter VIII
Jurisdictional and disciplinary terms
Article 25
Criminal and disciplinary jurisdiction
1. The authorities of the Sending State shall have the right to exercise all criminal and
disciplinary jurisdiction conferred on them by the law of the Sending State over
military and civilian personnel where such civilian personnel are subject to the law
governing all or any of the police forces with military status of the Sending State, by
reason of their deployment with those forces.
2. The authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State shall have the right to
exercise jurisdiction over military and civilian personnel and their family members,
with respect to offences committed within their respective territories and punishable
by the laws of that State.
3. The authorities of the Sending State shall have the right to exercise exclusive
jurisdiction over military and civilian personnel where such civilian personnel are
subject to the law governing all or any of the police forces with military status of the
Sending State, by reason of their deployment with those forces, with respect to
offences, including offences relating to its security, punishable by the law of the
Sending State, but not by the law of the Host State or the Receiving State.
4. The authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State shall have the right to
exercise exclusive jurisdiction over military and civilian personnel and their family
members with respect to offences, including offences relating to its security,
punishable by its law but not by the law of the Sending State.
5. In cases where the right to exercise jurisdiction is concurrent the following rules shall
apply:
a. the competent authorities of the Sending State shall have the primary right to
exercise jurisdiction over military and civilian personnel where such civilian
personnel are subject to the law governing all or any of the police forces with
military status of the Sending State, by reason of their deployment with those
forces, in relation to:
i) offences solely against the property or security of that State, or offences solely
against the person or property of military or civilian personnel of that State or of
a family member;
disciplinary jurisdiction conferred on them by the law of the Sending State over
military and civilian personnel where such civilian personnel are subject to the law
governing all or any of the police forces with military status of the Sending State, by
reason of their deployment with those forces.
2. The authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State shall have the right to
exercise jurisdiction over military and civilian personnel and their family members,
with respect to offences committed within their respective territories and punishable
by the laws of that State.
3. The authorities of the Sending State shall have the right to exercise exclusive
jurisdiction over military and civilian personnel where such civilian personnel are
subject to the law governing all or any of the police forces with military status of the
Sending State, by reason of their deployment with those forces, with respect to
offences, including offences relating to its security, punishable by the law of the
Sending State, but not by the law of the Host State or the Receiving State.
4. The authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State shall have the right to
exercise exclusive jurisdiction over military and civilian personnel and their family
members with respect to offences, including offences relating to its security,
punishable by its law but not by the law of the Sending State.
5. In cases where the right to exercise jurisdiction is concurrent the following rules shall
apply:
a. the competent authorities of the Sending State shall have the primary right to
exercise jurisdiction over military and civilian personnel where such civilian
personnel are subject to the law governing all or any of the police forces with
military status of the Sending State, by reason of their deployment with those
forces, in relation to:
i) offences solely against the property or security of that State, or offences solely
against the person or property of military or civilian personnel of that State or of
a family member;
ii) offences arising out of any act or omission done in the performance of official
duty;
duty;
b. in the case of any other offence, the authorities of the Host State or the Receiving
State shall have the primary right to exercise jurisdiction;
c. if the State having the primary right decides not to exercise jurisdiction, it shall
notify the authorities of the other State as soon as practicable. The authorities of
the State having the primary right shall give sympathetic consideration to a
request from the authorities of the other State for a waiver of its right in cases
where that other State considers such waiver to be of particular importance.
A curious one - 6. - Exactly which 'state' are they referring to, could it be the 'Union'?
6. For the purposes of paragraphs 3, 4 and 5, a security offence against a State shall
include:
a. treason against the State;
b. sabotage, espionage or violation of any law relating to official secrets of that
State, or secrets relating to the national defence of that State.
6. For the purposes of paragraphs 3, 4 and 5, a security offence against a State shall
include:
a. treason against the State;
b. sabotage, espionage or violation of any law relating to official secrets of that
State, or secrets relating to the national defence of that State.
7. The provisions of this Article shall not imply any right for the authorities of the
Sending State to exercise jurisdiction over persons who are nationals of, or
ordinarily resident in, the Host State or the Receiving State, unless they are
members of the force of the Sending State.
Article 26
Mutual legal assistance
1. The Parties shall assist each other in the arrest of members of a force or civilian
component or their family members in the territory of the Host State or the Receiving
State and in handing them over to the authority which is to exercise jurisdiction in
accordance with the above provisions.
2. The authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State shall promptly notify the
military authorities of the Sending State of the arrest of any member of a force or
civilian component or a family member.
3. The custody of an accused member of a force or civilian component over whom the
Host State or the Receiving State is to exercise jurisdiction shall, if he or she is in
the hands of the Sending State, remain with that State until he or she is charged by
the Host State or the Receiving State.
4. The Parties shall assist each other in carrying out all necessary investigations into
offences, and in the collection and production of evidence, including the seizure and,
in proper cases, the handing over of objects connected with an offence. The
handing over of such objects may, however, be made subject to their return within
the time specified by the authority delivering them.
5. The Parties shall notify one another of the disposition of all cases in which there are
concurrent rights to exercise jurisdiction.
6. The authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State shall give sympathetic
consideration to a request from the authorities of the Sending State for assistance in
carrying out a sentence of imprisonment pronounced by the authorities of the
Sending State under the provision of this Article within the territory of the Host State
or the Receiving State.
Article 27
component or their family members in the territory of the Host State or the Receiving
State and in handing them over to the authority which is to exercise jurisdiction in
accordance with the above provisions.
2. The authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State shall promptly notify the
military authorities of the Sending State of the arrest of any member of a force or
civilian component or a family member.
3. The custody of an accused member of a force or civilian component over whom the
Host State or the Receiving State is to exercise jurisdiction shall, if he or she is in
the hands of the Sending State, remain with that State until he or she is charged by
the Host State or the Receiving State.
4. The Parties shall assist each other in carrying out all necessary investigations into
offences, and in the collection and production of evidence, including the seizure and,
in proper cases, the handing over of objects connected with an offence. The
handing over of such objects may, however, be made subject to their return within
the time specified by the authority delivering them.
5. The Parties shall notify one another of the disposition of all cases in which there are
concurrent rights to exercise jurisdiction.
6. The authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State shall give sympathetic
consideration to a request from the authorities of the Sending State for assistance in
carrying out a sentence of imprisonment pronounced by the authorities of the
Sending State under the provision of this Article within the territory of the Host State
or the Receiving State.
Article 27
Repatriation, absence and removal
1. When EUROGENDFOR Personnel are no longer in service of its forces and are not
repatriated, the authorities of the Sending State shall immediately notify the
authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State and provide all useful
information.
2. The authorities of the Sending State shall equally notify the authorities of the Host
State or the Receiving State of any illegal absence from duty exceeding twenty-one
days.
3. If the Host State or the Receiving State requires the removal of EUROGENDFOR
Personnel from its own territory or has issued an expulsion order for
EUROGENDFOR Personnel or for their family members, the authorities of the
Sending State shall either receive them on its own territory or allow them to leave
the territory of the Host State or the Receiving State.
Chapter IX
repatriated, the authorities of the Sending State shall immediately notify the
authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State and provide all useful
information.
2. The authorities of the Sending State shall equally notify the authorities of the Host
State or the Receiving State of any illegal absence from duty exceeding twenty-one
days.
3. If the Host State or the Receiving State requires the removal of EUROGENDFOR
Personnel from its own territory or has issued an expulsion order for
EUROGENDFOR Personnel or for their family members, the authorities of the
Sending State shall either receive them on its own territory or allow them to leave
the territory of the Host State or the Receiving State.
Chapter IX
Claims
Article 28
Waiver
1. Each Party shall waive all its claims against any other Party for damage to any of its
property used in connection with the preparation and execution of the tasks referred
to in this Treaty, including exercises, if such damage:
property used in connection with the preparation and execution of the tasks referred
to in this Treaty, including exercises, if such damage:
a. was caused by EUROGENDFOR Personnel in the execution of their duties in the
framework of this Treaty; or
b. arose from the use of any vehicle, vessel, aircraft, arms or other equipment
owned by the other Party and used by its services, provided either that the
vehicle, vessel, aircraft, arms or equipment causing the damage was being used
in the framework of this Treaty; or that the damage was caused to property being
so used.
2. Each Party waives all its claims against any other Party for injury or death suffered
by EUROGENDFOR Personnel in the performance of their official duties.
3. The waiver referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 shall not apply if the damage, injury or
death results from gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the personnel of one
Party and consequently the costs of such damage, injury or death shall be paid by
that Party.
4. Notwithstanding the exception mentioned in paragraph 3, each Party waives its
claims in any case where the damage is less than a minimum amount to be
determined by CIMIN.
Article 29
Damage to third parties
1. In the event of damage caused to a third party or to the property of the third party by
a member or property of one of the Parties in preparing and carrying out the tasks
referred to in this Treaty, including exercises, the compensation of said damage
shall be shared by the Parties as specified in implementing agreements or
arrangements, referred to in Article 45 and in accordance with the following
provisions:
a. claims shall be filed, considered and settled or adjudicated in accordance with the
laws and regulations of the Host State or the Receiving State with respect to
claims arising from the activities of EUROGENDFOR;
b. the Host State or the Receiving State may settle any such claims; the payment of
the amount agreed upon or determined by adjudication shall be made by the
Host State or the Receiving State in euros;
c. such payment, whether made pursuant to settlement or to adjudication of the
case by a competent tribunal of the Host State or the Receiving State, or the final
adjudication by such a tribunal denying payment, shall be binding and conclusive
upon the Parties concerned;
d. every claim paid by the Host State or the Receiving State shall be communicated
to the Sending States concerned together with full particulars and a proposed
distribution in conformity with this Article. In default of a reply within two months,
the proposed distribution shall be regarded as accepted.
a member or property of one of the Parties in preparing and carrying out the tasks
referred to in this Treaty, including exercises, the compensation of said damage
shall be shared by the Parties as specified in implementing agreements or
arrangements, referred to in Article 45 and in accordance with the following
provisions:
a. claims shall be filed, considered and settled or adjudicated in accordance with the
laws and regulations of the Host State or the Receiving State with respect to
claims arising from the activities of EUROGENDFOR;
b. the Host State or the Receiving State may settle any such claims; the payment of
the amount agreed upon or determined by adjudication shall be made by the
Host State or the Receiving State in euros;
c. such payment, whether made pursuant to settlement or to adjudication of the
case by a competent tribunal of the Host State or the Receiving State, or the final
adjudication by such a tribunal denying payment, shall be binding and conclusive
upon the Parties concerned;
d. every claim paid by the Host State or the Receiving State shall be communicated
to the Sending States concerned together with full particulars and a proposed
distribution in conformity with this Article. In default of a reply within two months,
the proposed distribution shall be regarded as accepted.
2. If, however, such damage results from gross negligence or wilful misconduct of the
personnel of a Party, the costs of any damage shall be borne by that Party alone.
3. A member of EUROGENDFOR Personnel shall not be subject to any proceedings
for the enforcement of any judgement given against him or her in the Host State or
the Receiving State in a matter arising from the performance of his official duties.
4. Notwithstanding any individual liability in the event of damages caused to a third
party or the property of a third party by a person or property of one of the Parties not
done in the performance of official duty, claims in respect of these damages shall be
dealt with in the following manner:
a. the authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State shall consider the claim
and assess compensation to the claimant in a fair and just manner, taking into
account all circumstances of the case, including the conduct of the injured
person, and shall prepare a report on the matter;
b. the report shall be delivered to the authorities of the Sending State, who shall
then decide without delay whether they will offer an ex gratia payment, and if so,
of what amount;
c. if an offer of ex gratia payment is made, and accepted by the claimant in full
satisfaction of his claim, the authorities of the Sending State shall make the
payment itself and notify the authorities of the Host State or the Receiving State
of its decision and of the sum paid;
d. nothing in this paragraph shall affect the jurisdiction of the courts of the Host
State or the Receiving State to entertain an action against EUROGENDFOR
Personnel unless and until there has been payment in full satisfaction of the
claim.
Article 30
Examination of circumstances
Without prejudice to Article 31, in case of doubts as to whether the damages were caused in
the performance of official duty, CIMIN shall make a decision after examining a report of the
circumstances from the EGF Commander.
the performance of official duty, CIMIN shall make a decision after examining a report of the
circumstances from the EGF Commander.
Article 31
Exercises and operations
In the event of an exercise or operation on the territory of a third State, the method of
distributing any compensation among the Parties and, where appropriate, Contributing
States may be specified in an ad hoc arrangement governing the exercise or the operation.
distributing any compensation among the Parties and, where appropriate, Contributing
States may be specified in an ad hoc arrangement governing the exercise or the operation.
Article 32
Technical or scientific experts
The provisions of Chapter VIII and Chapter IX shall also apply to a citizen of one of the
Parties, who is neither part of the military or civilian personnel, but who is carrying out a
specific mission of a technical or scientific nature within EUROGENDFOR and solely for the
term of the mission.
Parties, who is neither part of the military or civilian personnel, but who is carrying out a
specific mission of a technical or scientific nature within EUROGENDFOR and solely for the
term of the mission.
Chapter X
Terms in respect of finances and property rights
Article 33
Financial Board
1. A Financial Board, comprising a financial expert designated by each Party, is
created.
2. The Financial Board is responsible for the following duties:
a. advising CIMIN on financial and budgetary matters;
b. implementing the financial, contracting and budgetary procedures and proposing,
if necessary, modifications to the cost-sharing formula to be approved by CIMIN;
c. examining the draft budget and the medium-term expenses planning proposed by
the EGF Commander, to be approved by CIMIN;
d. examining the yearly report on the final balance of annual expenses prepared by
the EGF Commander and advising CIMIN on its adoption;
created.
2. The Financial Board is responsible for the following duties:
a. advising CIMIN on financial and budgetary matters;
b. implementing the financial, contracting and budgetary procedures and proposing,
if necessary, modifications to the cost-sharing formula to be approved by CIMIN;
c. examining the draft budget and the medium-term expenses planning proposed by
the EGF Commander, to be approved by CIMIN;
d. examining the yearly report on the final balance of annual expenses prepared by
the EGF Commander and advising CIMIN on its adoption;
e. in an emergency, approving extra expenses which may not exceed 10% of the
Chapter concerned, by proxy for CIMIN. The Financial Board shall report to the
next meeting of CIMIN;
f. settling financial disputes. If the Financial Board fails to settle a dispute, it shall be
referred to CIMIN for settlement;
g. proposing CIMIN to perform an audit of the common expenses of
EUROGENDFOR. CIMIN shall determine how the audit is to be conducted.
3. The Financial Board operating procedures and the timetable for presenting,
examining and approving the draft budget of EUROGENDFOR shall be defined in a
set of financial rules to be approved by CIMIN.
Article 34
Expenses
1. There are three kinds of expenses relating to EUROGENDFOR activities:
a. common costs;
b. expenses of the Host State relating to the Permanent HQ;
c. national expenses.
a. common costs;
b. expenses of the Host State relating to the Permanent HQ;
c. national expenses.
2. The different kinds of expenses and how they are financed shall be defined in the
financial rules of EUROGENDFOR to be approved by CIMIN.
Article 35
Budget
1. The annual budget of EUROGENDFOR for common costs, calculated in euros, shall
comprise receipts and disbursements.
2. Disbursements consist of, on the one hand, investment costs and operational costs
for the Permanent HQ and, on the other hand, expenses approved by the Parties
incurred in the course of EUROGENDFOR activities.
3. Receipts arise from the contributions of the Parties in accordance with the criteria to
be defined by them in the financial rules of EUROGENDFOR.
4. The financial year begins on January 1 and ends December 31.
Article 36
comprise receipts and disbursements.
2. Disbursements consist of, on the one hand, investment costs and operational costs
for the Permanent HQ and, on the other hand, expenses approved by the Parties
incurred in the course of EUROGENDFOR activities.
3. Receipts arise from the contributions of the Parties in accordance with the criteria to
be defined by them in the financial rules of EUROGENDFOR.
4. The financial year begins on January 1 and ends December 31.
Article 36
Audits
To discharge their audit functions with respect to their national governments and to report to
their parliament as provided in their statutes, national auditors may obtain all information and
examine all documents held by EUROGENDFOR Personnel.
their parliament as provided in their statutes, national auditors may obtain all information and
examine all documents held by EUROGENDFOR Personnel.
Article 37
Public tenders
1. EUROGENDFOR may put out contracts to public tender in accordance with the
principles in force in the EU.
2. EU regulations with respect to public tenders apply under the following conditions:
a. the person responsible for putting out contracts to public tender is the EGF
Commander;
b. an appeal may be filed against the award of a public tender, at no charge, to
CIMIN, who will issue a ruling within one month.
principles in force in the EU.
2. EU regulations with respect to public tenders apply under the following conditions:
a. the person responsible for putting out contracts to public tender is the EGF
Commander;
b. an appeal may be filed against the award of a public tender, at no charge, to
CIMIN, who will issue a ruling within one month.
3. Without prejudice to the terms in paragraphs 1 and 2, competitors are excluded from
participating in public tenders if they:
a. provide goods or services originating in a State with which one of the Parties
does not enjoy diplomatic relations;
b. directly or indirectly pursue objectives that one of the Parties considers to be
contrary to its essential security or foreign policy interests.
Chapter XI
Final provisions
Article 38
Languages
The official languages of EUROGENDFOR will be those of the Parties. A common working
language may be used.
language may be used.
Article 39
Settlement of disputes
Disputes among the Parties with respect to the interpretation or application of this Treaty will
be resolved through negotiation.
be resolved through negotiation.
Article 40
Amendments
1. At the proposal of a Party, this Treaty may be amended at any time with the
agreement of all the Parties.
2. Any amendment shall enter into force in accordance with the terms of Article 46.
Article 41
agreement of all the Parties.
2. Any amendment shall enter into force in accordance with the terms of Article 46.
Article 41
Withdrawal
1. Each Party may, at any time, withdraw from this Treaty by giving prior written notice
to the depositary.
2. Withdrawal shall take effect twelve months after the date of receipt of the notice of
withdrawal by the depositary, or on such later date as may be specified in the notice
of withdrawal.
Article 42
to the depositary.
2. Withdrawal shall take effect twelve months after the date of receipt of the notice of
withdrawal by the depositary, or on such later date as may be specified in the notice
of withdrawal.
Article 42
Accession
1. Any EU Member State possessing a police force with military status may apply to
CIMIN for accession to this Treaty. After receiving the approval of the Parties, in
accordance with Article 7, paragraph 5, subparagraph a., CIMIN shall notify the
applicant State of the Parties’ decision.
2. Accession shall be effected by depositing an instrument of accession with the
depositary of the Treaty, which shall notify each Party and the acceding State of the
date of deposit thereof.
3. In regard to any State on behalf of which an instrument of accession is deposited,
this Treaty shall come into force on the first day of the second month after
notification by the depositary to all Parties.
CIMIN for accession to this Treaty. After receiving the approval of the Parties, in
accordance with Article 7, paragraph 5, subparagraph a., CIMIN shall notify the
applicant State of the Parties’ decision.
2. Accession shall be effected by depositing an instrument of accession with the
depositary of the Treaty, which shall notify each Party and the acceding State of the
date of deposit thereof.
3. In regard to any State on behalf of which an instrument of accession is deposited,
this Treaty shall come into force on the first day of the second month after
notification by the depositary to all Parties.
Article 43
Observer Status
1. EU candidate countries that have a police force with military status may apply for
Observer Status. EU Member States that have a police force with military status
may also apply for Observer Status as a first step to accession.
2. Observer Status entails the right to second a liaison officer to the Permanent HQ in
accordance with the rules approved by CIMIN.
Article 44
Observer Status. EU Member States that have a police force with military status
may also apply for Observer Status as a first step to accession.
2. Observer Status entails the right to second a liaison officer to the Permanent HQ in
accordance with the rules approved by CIMIN.
Article 44
Partner Status
1. EU Member States and EU candidate countries that have a force with military status
and some police skills may apply for Partner Status.
2. CIMIN shall define the specific rights and obligations of the Partners.
Article 45
and some police skills may apply for Partner Status.
2. CIMIN shall define the specific rights and obligations of the Partners.
Article 45
Implementing agreements or arrangements
This Treaty may be supplemented by one or more specific implementing agreements or
arrangements.
arrangements.
Article 46
Entry into force
This Treaty shall enter into force on the first day of the second month after notification by the
depositary to all Parties of the last instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.
depositary to all Parties of the last instrument of ratification, acceptance or approval.
Article 47
Depositary
The Government of the Italian Republic shall act as depositary and shall notify all signatory
and acceding States of the deposit of each instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval,
accession or withdrawal.
and acceding States of the deposit of each instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval,
accession or withdrawal.
Signed at Velsen, on 18 October 2007, in a single original in the Spanish, French, Italian,
Dutch, Portuguese and English languages, each text being equally authoritative, which shall
be deposited with the Government of the Italian Republic. The Government of the Italian
Republic shall transmit certified copies thereof to all Parties.
For the Kingdom of Spain:
For the French Republic:
For the Italian Republic:
For the Kingdom of The Netherlands:
For the Portuguese Republic:
Armed Forces: European Rapid Reaction Force
Question
2.37 pm
Asked By Baroness Knight of Collingtree
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many British troops are currently serving with the European Rapid Reaction Force.
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence (Baroness Taylor of Bolton): My Lords, I am sure that the whole House will join me in offering condolences to the friends and family of Corporal Daniel Nield, who was killed on operations in Afghanistan last Friday.
Turning to the Question, the Answer is none, because there is no European rapid reaction force.
Baroness Knight of Collingtree: My Lords, does the Minister recall that, as recorded in col. 1353 of Hansard of 27 October last, she assured me that the rapid reaction force did not exist? Is she aware that two days later, in the Royal Gallery, there was a large reception for our Armed Forces, during the course of which five soldiers present told me that they were currently assigned to and working with the rapid reaction force? Will the Minister make it clear that this rapid reaction force is not the same rapid reaction force as the one that is said to be part of the European army?
Baroness Taylor of Bolton: My Lords, I can be consistent and give an assurance that there is no European rapid reaction force. Of course we have troops on standby, and at that significant reception in the Royal Gallery we were all able to talk to our soldiers, who have embarked on a variety of missions, some with NATO and some, indeed, with the EU on occasion.
The simple fact of the matter is that we have only one set of forces. We in Britain decide how to deploy them. There is no permanent standing army waiting for Europe to instruct it, and there is no European rapid reaction force.
Lord Rotherwick: My Lords, today Reuters reports in the newspaper that a battalion of French and German soldiers is to be deployed in Strasbourg. Indeed, it is the first time that German troops have been deployed in Strasbourg. Who deploys this force? Do the German Government or the French Government deploy it, or is it a European force?
Baroness Taylor of Bolton: My Lords, the same procedure applies as I have just outlined for this country; namely, that we have control over our own forces and control over their deployment, be that on NATO
operations or, indeed, EU operations. The same applies to other countries. Each country decides how and when its own forces are deployed.
3 Feb 2009 : Column 548Lord Stoddart of Swindon: My Lords, the French are very keen on forming a rapid reaction force and have been for some while. Can the Government give an assurance that they will never agree to such a force?
Baroness Taylor of Bolton: My Lords, I think that the noble Lord is under a misapprehension. President Sarkozy has made it extremely clear that there is no suggestion of having a European army. Indeed, he has said of his own situation that,
“our armed forces are and will remain national. They won’t be integrated into any supranational ... forces”.
Lord Addington: My Lords, I associate these Benches with the condolences given earlier. Will the noble Baroness enlighten the House as regards the situations in which we would consider taking action with our European allies; for example, in relation to peacekeeping?
Baroness Taylor of Bolton: My Lords, we have spoken in this House on previous occasions on the use that we are now making of our forces in conjunction with our European allies; for example, in the work that is going on to deter piracy off the Horn of Africa. NATO was doing that work until December and a European force is now doing it for a year. That is a good example not only of European co-operation but of co-operation between NATO and the EU.
Lord Ashdown of Norton-sub-Hamdon: My Lords, the United States has in effect withdrawn its security guarantee. Under President Obama the United States will have different priorities in the world; in the future Europe will not be its major priority. We are facing an assertive Russia, a rising China and a shift of economic power to the east. In the face of these circumstances, is not the right reaction from Europe to deepen its institutions of defence and foreign affairs and, if there is no European reaction force, should there not be one soon?
Baroness Taylor of Bolton: My Lords, President Obama’s priorities may have a different emphasis but I suspect that the basic thrust of his policy will remain the same given the challenges that we all face, some of which he has outlined. Challenges such as terrorism are ones that Europe and the United States share. It is right that we should work together within Europe. We are a defensive alliance and NATO will remain the centre point of that. In order to make that alliance work I do not think that we need to deepen or reinvent new structures. The example I gave a moment ago of piracy shows that NATO and the EU can work together very closely and very successfully without over-elaborate structures, which I think do not always serve Europe well.
Lord Trimble: My Lords, if the Government are as lukewarm towards a rapid reaction force as the Minister suggests, I wonder what they were saying at the presidency meeting in December which agreed among other things that there should be the goal for 2010 of deploying, or being capable of deploying,
3 Feb 2009 : Column 549Baroness Taylor of Bolton: My Lords, the EU’s battle groups are domestic groups which on occasion come together to deal with a specific policy. We have a battle group which we could use if we so chose, but the choice would be ours; it would not be made under instruction from the EU or anyone else.
Lord Redesdale: My Lords, considering the problems that have arisen in trying to get any concerted action in many African countries that are suffering a collapse of civil administration, would not a European Union coherent response be the right way forward? Without it, is it not possible that we will ignore many problem areas in Africa?
Baroness Taylor of Bolton: My Lords, there have been attempts by European countries to try to ease the situation—for example, in Chad—but I do not think that we should have any illusions that we can solve all the problems of the world by ourselves.
Lord Wallace of Saltaire: My Lords, does the Minister recall that the launch of the European security and defence policy was an initiative of the British Prime Minister Tony Blair, and that we appear rather to have back-pedalled on that in the past three or four years?
Baroness Taylor of Bolton: My Lords, I do not think that there has been any back-pedalling; what I think there has been is a great deal of misrepresentation about what co-operation with Europe is all about. I repeat what I said earlier: there is no European army, there is no permanent standing army, and we in this country will make decisions about how, where and when our Armed Forces are deployed. END. And then read this
The European Rapid Reaction Force
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