Relations between the two organisations have been regulated by the Berlin Plus agreement (in force since 17 March 2003), which represents the basis for practical work between the EU and NATO. Consequently, NATO planning support or NATO assets and capabilities for the execution of any operations may be used in EU-led crisis management operations.

The EU and NATO are complementary rather than competitive organisations. The main objective of partnership between NATO and the EU is crisis management. NATO’s advantages lie in conducting arduous and more demanding operations, where sustained engagement can be expected; whereas EU operations are predominantly oriented towards civil crisis management and all-encompassing rehabilitation in the post-conflict period.

EU leaders underline that NATO remains the foundation of collective defence of its members and will continue to play a crucial role in crisis management.

Experience from Afghanistan and Kosovo show that present day challenges in operations require a comprehensive approach of the Alliance, which – in cooperation with other players in the international community – should include a broad spectrum of military and civil mechanisms.

For Slovenia as a country with limited assets and capabilities, cooperation between the EU and NATO is particularly important. The development of the European Security and Defence Policy offers an opportunity to NATO as well. In accordance with the agreement with its transatlantic partners, the EU has begun to assume the leading role in providing stability on the European continent, whereby the role of NATO remains highly important.

More information available at:

http://europa.eu.int/

http://www.nato.int/issues/nato-eu/index.html