TIGHTENING UP COMMISSION SECURITY FOR DEFENCE.

The European Commission has been refining its planning on internal security arrangements in the light of the Common European Security and Defence Policy. One of the numerous shadows currently darkening prospects for evolution of the CESDP is the concern on the part of the military in the Member States and in NATO over confidentiality in the European Union institutions. The Council has already taken some action to meet these concerns, by imposing new classification systems for documents. But the European Commission faces a more sensitive task: it sees itself as under an obligation to ensure due transparency, in line with broad EU doctrines, and is therefore cautious about suggesting draconian measures. But at the same time it knows it is in a delicate position on the CESDP, as it is perceived - particularly by the Member States - as something less than a full partner in defence matters. It is fighting a battle to ensure that it is not marginalised as the policy evolves - and it recognises that to protest too much on assuring transparency would inevitably weaken its position.As one Commission official expressed it privately, the Commission has to assure overall consistency between the different institutions and areas of activity...