At the December 15 ministerial session, the Allies discussed the outcome of the European Union summit held in Helsinki on December 12 and 13. The European Allies have identified the crucial capabilities they will need for ESDI to operate effectively. But they must deliver on these commitments.
Intentions are very good and new institutions are very useful.
But it is results that count. ESDI will be judged first and foremost by the capabilities that it delivers to the EU and to the Alliance. At the North Atlantic Council meeting, the United States also made a presentation to the other Allies on its plans for a national missile defence system. Lord Robertson said the Allies had reaffirmed NATO's basic principles of solidarity, credible deterrence and strategic stability. On Kosovo, the Secretary General urged the Allies to make available to the United Nations and to the Kosovo Protection Corps the resources required for success in laying the basis for a functioning economy and society.