Written question asked by Bernard Jenkin (Conservative) on Monday, 24 June 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 27 June 2002. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Thursday, 27 June 2002 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ministry of Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what plans there are for the extension of the EU Rapid Reaction Force's mandate to the fight against terrorism; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Jenkin: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what plans there are for the extension of the EU Rapid Reaction Force's mandate to the fight against terrorism; and if he will make a statement. [64811] Mr. Hoon: There is no standing European Rapid Reaction Force. The European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) seeks to enable the European Union to deal with the full range of conflict prevention and crisis management missions defined in the Amsterdam treaty, the "Petersberg Tasks". The European Council at Seville agreed a declaration concerning the contribution of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, including ESDP, in the fight against terrorism. This can already include the use of military forces if appropriate.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 387 c1037W;387 c1035-6W; 64811
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: EU countries EU common foreign and security policy Terrorism EU defence policy Rapid reaction forces
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk