In a keynote speech in Bonn today to mark the 10th anniversary of
OCCAR,
Claude-France Arnould, Chief Executive of the European Defence Agency, paid tribute to OCCAR’s achievements, and underlined the importance of the relationship between the Agency and OCCAR. This was founded on the principles of coherence, pragmatism and trust.
Ms Arnould recalled that the EU Council had adopted a Declaration on EDA-OCCAR in November 2008, and tasked EDA to conclude an Administrative Arrangement with OCCAR.
Ms Arnould added that, since taking up her duties as the EDA Chief Executive earlier this year, conclusion of the arrangement with OCCAR has been a key priority for her: it would provide our respective Member States with the ideal framework for cost-effective cooperation by allowing the seamless management of projects from the very early definitions phase to the fielding of capabilities, and their support through their entire life-cycle.
In her concluding remarks, Ms Arnould said: “Together we [EDA and OCCAR] can propose innovative ways to support European efforts to maximise the effectiveness of military expenditure. The EDA/OCCAR partnership is not only natural but necessary. It offers the prospect of seamless cooperation and real synergies. I am confident that together we will continue to develop this relationship to our mutual benefit and that of our Member States.”