Written question asked by Desmond Swayne (Conservative) on Monday, 18 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 January 2001. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 15 January 2001 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, What planning capability the EU Rapid Reaction Force will have. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Swayne: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what planning capability the EU Rapid Reaction Force will have. [143739] Mr. Hoon: There is no standing EU Rapid Reaction Force. The EU has a small military staff which will support its ability to take decisions with military implications. The terms of reference of the EU Military Staff make quite clear that it is not responsible for operational planning. The Nice documents also make clear that NATO will carry out operational planning for EU-led operations that have recourse to NATO assets and capabilities. Operational planning for other operations may be carried out in existing European national and multinational headquarters, such as our own Permanent Joint Headquarters (PJHQ).

Secondary information