Javier Solana, EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy, in his capacity as Head of the European Defence Agency (EDA), today announced the appointment of Mr. Lo Casteleijn as Chair for meetings of the Steering Board of the European Defence Agency when it meets at the level of National Defence Planners and Policy Directors responsible for Capabilities.
Casteleijn is Principal Director of the General Policy Directorate of the Defence Ministry of the Netherlands. His appointment will run until at least the middle of 2006.
The Steering Board is the decision-making body of the EDA, composed of Defence Ministers of the 24 EU member states who are participating in the Agency and the European Commission.
The High Representative chairs the Steering Board when it meets at ministerial level, but intends to delegate the chair for meetings at sub-ministerial level. These sub-ministerial formations include meetings of National Armaments Directors, National Defence Research Directors, National Defence Planners and Policy Directors.
“The Agency's success will be critical for success of the European Security and Defence Policy, and we need to see results quickly. The Steering Board plays a crucial role in guiding and encouraging the Agency and in confirming the commitment of the participating Member States." Solana said.
"We must draw the military of the national defence establishments into the Agency’s work, for which the Steering Board in Capabilities formation is an essential vehicle. I am sure that Mr Casteleijn is just the man to fulfil this role,” he added.
“I am most grateful for this opportunity to contribute to the Agency’s success,” Casteleijn said. “The participating Member States want the Agency to succeed and to deliver concrete results but we must play our part in supporting that work.”
Casteleijn will chair the first Steering Board in Capabilities formation on 21 June 2005.
Background on Mr. Lo Casteleijn
Born 26-01-1948
Studied Political Science at the University of Amsterdam
Works since 1982 at the Ministry of Defence in the Hague, first in the Information Department (1982-1984) and since 1984 in the General Policy Affairs Department. In June 1995 he was appointed Deputy Director of this department. Appointed Director of General Policy Affairs as of August 1st, 2000.
Dealt with European security policy, NATO, nuclear & proliferation policy and policy regarding crisis management and peacekeeping operations. Was co-ordinator of the Netherlands` Defence White Paper 2000. Is Head of the Dutch delegation to the High Level Group (HLG) and the Defence Group on Proliferation (DGP) of NATO, in 1999-2000 he was the European co-chairman of the DGP. Is co-chairman of Nato´s Senior Officials Group on the command arrangements of the Alliance.