Strengthening the European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI) became an integral part of NATO’s adaptation process that was launched by the 1994 Brussels Summit in view of the changing security conditions and strategic environment. At the Western European Union (WEU) and NATO Ministerial Meetings held in 1996 it was decided to develop the ESDI within NATO.

On the other hand, European Union, for some time, has also been trying to develop Common European Security and Defence Policy (CESDP) with a view to strengthening EU’s capabilities in possible EU-led operations in the field of crisis management, peacekeeping and peace support, in contingencies to which NATO will not be involved as a whole.

The Strategic Concept and the Joint Declaration, which were adopted at the NATO Summit held on 23-24 April 1999 in Washington with the participation of Allied Heads of State and Government, laid the necessary base to meet the expectations of non-EU European Allies, like Turkey, for ensuring their full and equal participation in the new structures to be established.

Taking into consideration the accelerated pace of developments with respect to ESDI and CESDP in the wake of the EU Helsinki Summit and the NATO Ministerial Meeting that took place at the end of last year, a high level inter-agency evaluation meeting was held in Ankara with the participation of officials from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and National Defence, the Turkish General Staff and the Secretariat-General of the National Security Council and the Turkish Permanent Representatives to the EU, WEU and NATO and the Turkish Military Representative to NATO and WEU.

During the deliberations, fundamental principles regarding the ongoing efforts to develop the ESDI within and outside NATO, Turkey’s objectives and the procedure to be followed in order to achieve these objectives have been laid down.

Turkey, having contributed substantially to the security and defence of Europe, is entitled to be a full partner in the process in which the ESDI will be developed and implemented. This expectation was one of the salient points that has emerged from the meeting.

Turkey strongly believes that the acquis which was accumulated within the WEU should be preserved and further developed on a contractual basis so as to ensure the full participation of non-EU European Allies in the new structures to be established within the EU. In this connection, in accordance with the relevant stipulations of NATO’s Strategic Concept and Washington Summit Declaration, Turkey’s position, which was already enunciated, will be maintained in order to ensure;

a)participation of Turkey on a regular basis in day-to-day planning and consultations on matters related to European security, as is the case within the WEU,

b)full and equal participation of Turkey in the process leading to decision making on all EU-led operations drawing on the collective assets and capabilities of NATO and their implementation,

c)participation of Turkey in the decision shaping and subsequent preparation, planning and conduct of EU operations not drawing on NATO assets and capabilities.

It would be beneficial if the EU, to which Turkey is not yet a full member, and NATO, to which Turkey is a member, would have a structural relationship preferably based on a framework agreement to be reached between the two organizations. These relations should be guided by principles of transparency and reciprocity. Such an arrangement will facilitate Turkey to be informed of efforts related to the development of CESDP within EU and to be able to express her views in a timely manner.

At the EU Helsinki Summit, with a view to developing European capabilities, Member States set themselves the “headline goal”.

According to this “headline goal”, by the year 2003, they will be able to deploy within 60 days forces capable of Petersberg tasks in operations up to 15 brigades or 50.000-60.000 persons and sustain this deployment for at least one year. The Turkish Government, also as an indication of its willingness to contribute to efforts to develop ESDI, has decided to communicate its intention to participate in this “headline goal” with a brigade size unit supported by sufficient air and naval components. Necessary representations to that effect have already been initiated.

EU, at its Helsinki Summit, in the context of CESDP, has also decided to establish interim and permanent structures. Representations are being made to ensure the inclusion of Turkey in the Political and Security Committee (PSC), European Military Committee (EMS) and Military Staff to be established. In this connection Foreign Minister Cem has sent a letter to EU Portuguese Presidency and to other EU Foreign Ministers and conveyed Turkey’s views and expectations.

Efforts to develop the ESDI are part of an ongoing process. We maintain our conviction that Turkey, who has made substantial contributions to European security and defence since 1952, will have the place she deserves in the new structures. With this conviction we will continue to make demarches at all levels to ensure realization of our expectations regarding participation. We hope that the EU will demonstrate similar common sense by finding a satisfactory arrangement for the participation of non-EU European Allies like Turkey. Such an arrangement will no doubt facilitate efforts to conclude the modalities of the relationship between NATO and the EU.