DEFENCE AND SECURITY : * - A DIFFICULT MISSION: KOSOVO, CHAD AND THE SECURITY DOCTRINE.

The Slovenian EU Presidency will continue the efforts of the German and Portuguese Presidencies to "develop EU civilian and military capabilities" and to improve "cooperation with the UN and NATO," says the country's Minister for Defence, Karl Erjavec. While the two previous Presidencies forged strategic partnerships with the UN and NATO, "agreements must now be reached in order to define the areas of cooperation between the EU and NATO," he explains. Furthermore, the targets of the Headline Goals 2010 must be met and plans made for the remaining battle groups.

However, "the key priority is Kosovo," Erjavec insists, adding that "stability in the Balkans depends on this province". A difficult task lies ahead, as Kosovo will have to be steered smoothly towards independence, Serbia will have to be drawn into the European fold and Bosnian unity will have to be preserved. At least the Slovenian leaders have experience in these matters (see box).

Slovenia will thus oversee the launch of the civilian police mission in Kosovo (see Europolitics 3423) and the deployment of possible reinforcements for the Althea military mission in Bosnia (3423). It will also have to manage successfully the EUFOR military operation in Chad and the Central African Republic. It should be supported primarily by the French Presidency, as tasks have been shared between the two. Finally, Slovenia will be in charge of preparing the launch of the small 'rule...