In this interview, Willem van Eekelen, Netherlands Minister for Defence from 1986 to 1988 and Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) from 1989 to 1994, explains how the discussion paper that he submitted to the WEU Council of Ministers on 22 February 1991, entitled The Future of European Security and Defence Cooperation, which focused on WEU’s role in the new European security architecture, contributed to preparations for the intergovernmental conference that would lead to the Treaty on European Union, signed in Maastricht on 7 February 1992.

In this interview, Willem van Eekelen, Netherlands Minister for Defence from 1986 to 1988 and Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) from 1989 to 1994, recalls the origins of the concept of a European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI), first seen in 1991, as well as his own role in the implementation of this concept.

On 11 October 1991, with a view to the forthcoming Maastricht European Council, the Foreign Ministers of France, Germany and Spain issue a joint communiqué in which they outline the main principles on which the new treaty should be based. Among other issues, they emphasise that Western European Union (WEU) is an integral part of the process leading to European Union and that it could be given the task of implementing the security and defence policy.

On 29 October 1991, at a meeting of the Council of Western European Union (WEU) in Bonn, Roland Dumas, French Foreign Minister, identifies the fundamental points of agreement reached on the role and place of WEU in the light of the forthcoming Maastricht European Council.

On 8 November 1991, following a Summit Meeting in Rome, the Heads of State and Government of the member countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) adopt a Declaration on Peace and Cooperation in order to define a new security architecture in Europe. They welcome the prospect of a strengthening of the role of Western European Union (WEU), both as the defence component of the process of European unification and as a means of consolidating the European pillar of the Atlantic Alliance.

In this interview, Colin Cameron, Secretary-General of the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU), discusses the consequences of the Treaty of Maastricht (Article J.4), which makes it possible for the European Union to have recourse to WEU for the development and implementation of EU decisions and actions having implications in the field of defence, thus giving WEU the role of defence arm of the EU.

On 27 January 1992, in Bonn, at a meeting of the Chiefs of the General Staff of the Member States of Western European Union (WEU), the German Chancellor, Helmut Kohl, outlines the main decisions taken at the Rome Summit of the Atlantic Alliance and the Maastricht European Council. He places particular emphasis on WEU's role as a defence component of the European Union and as a bridge between the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance.

Article J.4 of the Treaty on European Union, signed in Maastricht on 7 February 1992.

In the Declaration (No 30) annexed to the Final Act of the Treaty of Maastricht, the Intergovernmental Conference notes two declarations in which the Member States of the European Union (EU) which are also Member States of Western European Union (WEU) agree to develop the dual role of WEU as ‘the defence component of the EU and as a means to strengthen the European pillar of the Atlantic Alliance’.

In this interview, Willem van Eekelen, Netherlands Minister for Defence from 1986 to 1988 and Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) from 1989 to 1994, addresses the question of cooperation between WEU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) following the Treaty of Maastricht, particularly citing the figure of Manfred Wörner, Secretary General of NATO from 1988 to 1994.

On 21 May 1992, the Council of Western European Union (WEU) holds its first official meeting with the North Atlantic Council, at the headquarters of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) in Brussels. From this point on, the Secretary General of WEU regularly attends the ministerial meetings of the North Atlantic Council, and the Secretary General of NATO attends the ministerial meetings of WEU. The photo shows Willem van Eekelen, Secretary General of WEU (on the left), in discussions with Manfred Wörner, Secretary General of NATO.

On 23 June 1992, the French daily newspaper Le Monde speculates on the new role of Western European Union (WEU) resulting from the new European defence identity provided for in the Treaty on European Union and outlines the steps taken by the nine WEU states to develop a common defence policy.

Published on 25 January 1993 in the Spanish daily newspaper El País, this article heralds the awakening of Western European Union (WEU) after 38 years of lethargy following the adoption of the Maastricht Treaty on 7 February 1992 by the 12 Member States of the European Union.

On 22 November 1993, following the entry into force of the Maastricht Treaty on 1 November 1993, the Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) agrees to pursue the implementation of measures seeking to ensure close cooperation between the European Union and WEU, to strengthen Europe’s contribution to the Atlantic Alliance and to develop WEU’s operational capabilities.

On 14 December 1993, a joint meeting is held between the North Atlantic Council and the Council of Western European Union (WEU) in Brussels, at WEU headquarters. The photo shows Willem van Eekelen (on the right), Secretary-General of WEU from 1989 to 1994.

On 2 January 1994, the French daily newspaper Le Monde reports on the United States’ proposal to make NATO resources — in the form of command, support or communications equipment, infrastructures or troops — available to Western European Union (WEU) for crisis operations led by WEU in which the Alliance would not take part itself.

At the meeting held on 11 January 1994 in Brussels, the Heads of State and Government of the Member States of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) express their support for the development of a European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI). This involves the strengthening of the European pillar of the Alliance through Western European Union (WEU), which is being developed as the defence component of the European Union.

The Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU), meeting in Madrid on 14 November 1995, contributes to the work of the 1996 Intergovernmental Conference (IGC) on the revision of the Treaty on European Union. The document particularly analyses WEU’s relationship with the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance and puts forward proposals for the future development of the European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI).

In this article published in the Revue du Marché commun et de l’Union européenne in January 1996, Alfred Cahen, former Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU), considers WEU’s origin and evolution and places particular emphasis on the progress achieved since its revival in 1984, including recognition of its role as a dimension of the European integration process and as the European pillar of the Atlantic Alliance.

In this interview, recorded in January 1996, Abel Matutes, former member of the European Commission and Chairman of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, Security and Defence Policy, presents Parliament’s expectations with regard to European defence with a view to the Intergovernmental Conference (IGC), due to begin on 29 March 1996 in Turin in order to make preparations for the revision of the Treaty on European Union.

The Security Agreement between the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and Western European Union (WEU) is signed by Javier Solana (left), NATO Secretary General, and José Cutileiro, WEU Secretary-General, on 6 May 1996 in the residence of the NATO Secretary General in Brussels.

On 3 June 1996, at its Ministerial Meeting in Berlin, the North Atlantic Council decides to adapt the Alliance’s structures so as to build a European Security and Defence Identity within NATO. In particular, the development of the concept of Combined Joint Task Forces (CJTF) should enable Europeans to make use of separable but not separate NATO military capabilities in Western European Union (WEU) operations.

In this interview, Willem van Eekelen, Netherlands Minister for Defence from 1986 to 1988 and Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) from 1989 to 1994, recalls the ambiguous stance of the United States towards the establishment of a European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI) in the 1990s.

On 3 December 1996, in Paris, Jacques Chirac, President of the French Republic, gives an address to the Parliamentary Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) in which he sets out the priorities of the French Presidency of WEU for the first half of 1997. He believes that WEU needs to acquire the operational capacities required, strengthen its institutional links with the European Union and engage in a process of reflection on its internal mode of operation.

On 9 December 1996, in Nuremberg, Germany and France decide to adopt a common approach, both European and Atlantic, to security and defence. In particular, the two countries undertake to develop a European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI) within the Alliance and to define a common European defence policy within the European Union (EU), including the eventual incorporation of WEU into the EU.

On 13 May 1997, in Paris, the Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) reaffirms the essential role of WEU in the European security architecture and gives the Permanent Council the task of strengthening institutional and operational cooperation with the European Union and the Atlantic Alliance.

On 12 and 13 May 1997, the Foreign and Defence Ministers of the Member States of Western European Union (WEU) meet, during the French Presidency, in UNESCO House, Paris, for their biannual session, following which they decide to strengthen WEU’s cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and the European Union (EU).

Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union (EU) as amended by the Treaty of Amsterdam signed on 2 October 1997. Article 17 corresponds, in the intermediate numbering of the Treaty of Amsterdam, to Article J.7 of the EU Treaty (ex Article J.4).

Protocol on Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union (EU), annexed to the EU Treaty by the Treaty of Amsterdam. Article 17 corresponds, in the intermediate numbering of the Treaty of Amsterdam, to Article J.7 of the EU Treaty (ex Article J.4).

In the Declaration (No 3) annexed to the Final Act of the Treaty of Amsterdam, the Intergovernmental Conference notes the Declaration made by the Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) on 22 July 1997 on the role of WEU and its relations with the European Union (EU) and the Atlantic Alliance. The latter Declaration refers particularly to Article 17 of the Treaty on EU (ex Article J.7) and the Protocol to this Article.

In this interview, Charles Goerens, Luxembourg Minister for Defence from 1999 to 2004, former member of the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) and its President from 1987 to 1990, gives his opinion on the possibility offered to the European Union (EU) by the 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam to appropriate the Petersberg tasks for itself, while contemplating the possible integration of WEU into the EU.

On 18 November 1997, the Foreign and Defence Ministers of the countries of Western European Union (WEU) meet in Erfurt. They emphasise the importance of strengthening institutional links between the European Union (EU) and WEU, as decided in Amsterdam, and reaffirm the pivotal role played by WEU between the EU and NATO. The photo shows Klaus Kinkel, German Foreign Minister, at the press conference.

In this article published in the French daily newspaper Le Figaro on 17 March 1998, Lluís Maria de Puig, President of the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU), describes the organisation’s development and calls for its revival. He believes that WEU should not restrict its activities to the field of the common foreign and security policy (CFSP) in accordance with the mandate given it by the European Union, but should rely more on the development of its own means of decision-making and action.

On 17 March 1998, commenting on the 50th anniversary of the Treaty of Brussels, the French daily newspaper Le Figaro considers the future of Western European Union (WEU).

On 9 November 1998, on behalf of the Defence Committee, Armand De Decker submits a detailed report to the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) on the organisation of operational links between the Atlantic Alliance, WEU and the European Union, to encourage the strengthening of cooperation between these three organisations.

In this interview, Charles Goerens, Luxembourg Minister for Defence from 1999 to 2004, former member of the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) and its President from 1987 to 1990, gives his views on the need for greater European assertiveness within the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

In this interview, Charles Goerens, Luxembourg Minister for Defence from 1999 to 2004, former member of the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) and its President from 1987 to 1990, explains that, in his opinion, European security is inconceivable without the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO).

On 3 December 1998, at the Franco-British summit in Saint-Malo, French President Jacques Chirac welcomes British Prime Minister Tony Blair to prepare the foundations for European defence cooperation.

At the Franco–British Summit held in St. Malo on 3 and 4 December 1998, the Heads of State or Government of the United Kingdom and France agree on the need to give the European Union (EU) the capacity for autonomous decision-making and action, backed up by credible military forces, in order to respond to international crises when the Atlantic Alliance is not involved. To avoid unnecessary duplication, it is decided that the EU should take into account the assets of Western European Union (WEU).

On 3 and 4 December 1998, at the Franco–British Summit held in St. Malo, the Heads of State and Government of the United Kingdom and France agree on the need to give the European Union (EU) the capacity for autonomous decision-making and action in the field of defence. From left to right: Tony Blair, British Prime Minister, Jacques Chirac, President of the French Republic, and Lionel Jospin, French Prime Minister.

Meeting in Vienna on 11 and 12 December 1998, the European Council believes, following the example of the Franco-British St. Malo Declaration, that the common foreign and security policy must be backed by credible operational capabilities in order for the European Union (EU) to have a strong presence on the international stage. The European Council invites the Council to bring forward, in agreement with Western European Union (WEU), the completion of arrangements for enhanced cooperation between the EU and WEU.

In its ‘Declaration on strengthening the common European policy on security and defence’, the Cologne European Council of 3 and 4 June 1999 agrees to transfer from Western European Union (WEU) to the European Union (EU) the responsibility of decision-making and the capacity for action in the area of the ‘Petersberg tasks’.

Article published in Le Monde diplomatique following the Cologne European Council held on 3 and 4 June 1999. Bernard Cassen briefly outlines the history of European defence since the end of the Second World War and is critical of a European Union which is unable to make its voice heard in the area of defence because it is divided between supporters of an independent European power giving WEU the role of military arm of the CFSP, and supporters of a transatlantic partnership with the United States thus favouring the role of NATO.

The meeting of the Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU), held on 22 and 23 November 1999 in Luxembourg, marks the beginning of the transfer of some of WEU’s powers and bodies to the European Union (EU).

The meeting of the WEU Council of Ministers held on 22 and 23 November 1999 in Luxembourg marks the beginning of the transfer of some WEU powers and bodies to the European Union (EU).

In this interview, Charles Goerens, Luxembourg Minister for Defence from 1999 to 2004, former member of the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) and its President from 1987 to 1990, looks back over the main issues addressed during the Luxembourg Presidency of the WEU Council in 1999.

Article 17 of the Treaty on European Union as amended by the Treaty of Nice signed on 26 February 2001.

Meeting in Porto on 15 and 16 May 2000, the Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) recognise that the decisions of the Helsinki European Council of 10 and 11 December 1999 will have ‘profound repercussions' on WEU.

Meeting in Porto on 15 and 16 May 2000, the Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) recognise that the decisions of the Helsinki European Council of 10 and 11 December 1999 will have 'profound repercussions' on WEU.

Meeting in Marseille on 13 November 2000, the Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) ratifies the conversion of WEU into a ‘residual' organisation which is to cease its activities and transfer its operational structures to the European Union (EU).

Group photo of the Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) taken on 13 November 2000 in Marseille.

Press conference held during the meeting of the Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) on 13 November 2000 in Marseille under the French Presidency. Javier Solana (left), Secretary-General of WEU, and Alain Richard, French Minister for Defence, reply to the journalists’ questions.

The Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) holds its final meeting on 13 November 2000 in Marseille, in the Parc Chanot Convention Centre, in connection with the transfer of WEU's powers to the European Union.

At the press conference held at the final Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) in Marseille on 13 November 2000, Alain Richard, French Defence Minister, and Javier Solana, WEU Secretary-General and High Representative of the European Union for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), give their views on the need to maintain some of WEU’s activities.

On 13 November 2000, as the Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) meets in Marseille, the German daily newspaper Die Welt emphasises the difficulties involved in the process of transformation of WEU, which must transfer its operational structures to the European Union (EU), and raises the delicate question of the future of the WEU Parliamentary Assembly.

On 14 November 2000, after the decision taken by the Council of Ministers of Western European Union (WEU), meeting in Marseille, to transfer some of the organisation’s bodies and powers to the European Union (EU), the French daily newspaper Le Figaro gives a mixed report of the activities and role of WEU.

On 15 November 2000, following the meeting of the Foreign and Defence Ministers of Western European Union (WEU) in Marseille, the French daily newspaper Le Monde comments on the transformation of WEU into a residual organisation whose operational structures will be transferred to the European Union (EU).

Le rapport de l’Assemblée de l’Union de l’Europe occidentale (UEO), du 5 décembre 2000, pointe les problèmes posés par la déclaration de Marseille, adoptée le 13 novembre par le Conseil des ministres, qui entérine la mutation de l'UEO en une organisation dite résiduelle.

Article 42 of the Treaty on European Union (EU) as amended by the Treaty of Lisbon of 13 December 2007. According to the tables of equivalences annexed to the Treaty of Lisbon, Article 42 of the EU Treaty corresponds to the former Article 17 of the EU Treaty (and to Article 28 A in an intermediate numbering of the Treaty of Lisbon).

Protocol (No 11) on Article 42 of the Treaty on European Union (EU), annexed to the EU Treaty by the Treaty of Lisbon. According to the tables of equivalences annexed to the Treaty of Lisbon, Article 42 of the EU Treaty corresponds to the former Article 17 of the EU Treaty (and to Article 28 A in an intermediate numbering of the Treaty of Lisbon).

In a press release issued to mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Brussels Treaty on 17 March 1948, the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU) emphasises the importance of the residual functions carried out by WEU and its Assembly which have not been transferred to the European Union: their role in ensuring the implementation of the mutual defence clause in the Modified Brussels Treaty and the role of the Assembly as an interparliamentary forum for the European security and defence policy (ESDP).

On 2 June 2008 in Paris, on the eve of the plenary session of the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU), Daniel Ducarme, rapporteur for the Political Committee on the European Security Strategy, and Hendrick Daems, rapporteur for the Committee for the Revision of the Charter and Rules of the Assembly, describe specific initiatives through which progress might be made for security and defence Europe.

In this interview, Colin Cameron, Secretary-General of the Assembly of Western European Union (WEU), looks back at the details of the transfer to the European Union of some of WEU’s powers, following the 1997 Treaty of Amsterdam and the decisions taken by the WEU Council of Ministers in 1999 and 2000.

In this interview, Willem van Eekelen, Netherlands Minister for Defence from 1986 to 1988 and Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) from 1989 to 1994, discusses the transfers of power from WEU to the European Union which took place in 2000 and their consequences on the very existence of WEU.

In this interview, Willem van Eekelen, Netherlands Minister for Defence from 1986 to 1988 and Secretary-General of Western European Union (WEU) from 1989 to 1994, discusses the risk of seeing the Modified Brussels Treaty denounced following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, signed in 2007, and therefore of witnessing the disappearance of WEU.

Statement made on 31 March 2010 by the Presidency of the Permanent Council of Western European Union (WEU) regarding the termination of the Modified Brussels Treaty and the closure of WEU (due to take place in June 2011). This statement follows the entry into force of the 2007 Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009, particularly the mutual assistance clause between the Member States of the European Union (Article 42(7), EU Treaty).

On 7 April 2010, the journal Europe Diplomacy and Defence comments on the decision taken on 31 March 2010 by the Member States of Western European Union (WEU) to terminate the Treaty of Brussels and close WEU by June 2011.

In this interview excerpt, Francis Gutmann, an official in the French Foreign Ministry from 1951 to 1957 and Secretary-General of the External Relations Ministry from 1981 to 1985, discusses the meagre results of Western European Union (WEU) in the area of European defence policy, while emphasising France’s commitment to the organisation and the role of France and the United Kingdom as drivers in the area of defence in the European Union.