This is a key factor in the preparations for a real operation. I believe very sincerely that we are on the right track, the only possible one if Europeans are to act together and in a very practical way to take their share of responsibility for stability and security. We have already come a long way, but more remains to be done. In particular, it is a matter of urgency to strengthen European armaments cooperation. As the Council emphasized in Erfurt, it is becoming increasingly important for the Governments of European countries to work together on the development and procurement of armaments.
Procrastination is no longer an option.
Here again, we have to act together. In the existing climate of defence budget cuts, we are all aware of the vital importance of the current restructuring and rationalization of the defence industry in Europe. We must all reflect and act in the light of our common needs and the necessity for the genuine interoperability of our equipment. Unless we make effective progress in this direction, I fear that the results we have managed to achieve in other fields will be jeopardized. Mr President, Ladies and Gentlemen, it is incumbent on all of us, with our respective powers and in our spheres of responsibility, to promote positive, rapid advances in this sector and to arrive at the establishment of a European armaments agency as soon as possible.