Background

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The founding fathers of EDA underlined the need for a capability-driven Agency. It was embedded in the Joint Action of 12 July 2004, which refers to improving the European Union’s defence capabilities for the European Security and Defence Policy – now Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) under the Lisbon Treaty.

The Agency Establishment Team prepared the launch of EDA in late 2003 and the first half of 2004. By early 2005 EDA had an initial operational capability with limited staff. By the summer of 2005 full operational capability was reached.

"When I took over three years ago from Nick Witney, I was very much impressed by the achievements of Nick and his team. They had been able to establish the EDA from scratch. (…) They had started to develop strategies, policies and they have been successful to initiate some initial projects.". Alexander Weis, EDA's Chief Executive (2007-2010), September 2010.

 
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