Mr. Olli Ruutu:

I think the Deputy is aware that the strategic compass at EU level is being discussed at present. We are one of the actors that has contributed to that discussion. Defence and foreign ministers discuss what to do. The work is ongoing so I will not prejudge any outcome. The aim from our perspective is to be capable but also more cost-effective through co-operation. As I said in the co-ordinated annual review, we have seen that we have a lot of capability to support our requirements in the future, but we need to be more effective together. This is the spirit in which we are working. Regarding the projection of that capability and supporting member states' requirements, I think this strategic compass will give a lot of direction to EU work. In our work, the European defence initiatives already prioritise capabilities through providing funding and the work programme, which is more on a technological basis. The Commission is working on the different synergies between civilian and military aspects. We would be able to have more cost-effective and sustainable investment in the requirements that member states have over time.