Paris, 19 September 2002: The Presidential Committee of the Assembly of WEU has approved the programme of work for the second half of 2002. Reports will focus on a wide range of topics concerning the EU’s emerging ESDP. Two reports will be specially designated to form the Assembly’s contribution to the European Convention.

Work on the reports by Mr Mark Eyskens (Belgium, Federated Group) on “The role of Europe in a new world order for peace and security” for the Political Committee and by Mr Dieter Schloten (Germany, Socialist Group) on “A European Defence Policy” for the Defence Committee which have already begun will be further accelerated at the request of the Presidential Committee.

The aim is to allow for a timely presentation of the reports to the members of the Convention Working Group on Defence chaired by EU Commissioner Michel Barnier (France). The Defence Working Group of the Convention will start its proceedings on 23 September 2002 with a meeting with WEU Secretary-General and EU High Representative Javier Solana.

Further Assembly reports deal with the consequences of the enlargement of NATO and the EU for European Security (Rapporteur Mr Marco Zacchera (Italy, Federated Group)), the current situation of Multinational forces in Europe (submitted by Mr John Wilkinson, United Kingdom, Federated Group)) and on the lessons learned from the participation of European forces in international crisis management (submitted by Mr Kurt Palis (Germany, Socialist Group))

Reports of the Technological and Aerospace Committee focus on “Arms cooperation in Europe: WEAG and EU activities” (by Mr Rino Piscitello (Italy, Liberal Group) and on “Developing European launcher autonomy” submitted by Mr Bill Etherington (United Kingdom, Socialist Group).

The full list of reports is attached.