Canada to participate in the ‘NetLogHubs’ project

BRUSSELS, Belgium – The Council adopted today a decision confirming that the participation of Canada in the PESCO project ‘Network of Logistic Hubs in Europe and Support to Operations’ meets the general conditions set out in Decision (CFSP) 2020/1639 of November 2020 and will bring substantial added value to the project.

As project coordinator, Germany will be able to formally invite Canada to join this PESCO project, in response to Canada’s request of May 2022.

The goal of the PESCO project ‘NetLogHubs’ is to use a network of existing logistic installations for multinational network business to prepare equipment for operations, commonly use depot space for spare parts or ammunition, and harmonise transport and deployment activities. The network will decrease the reaction time and increase capacities and sustainability for military operations. This PESCO project is also closely linked to the ‘Military Mobility’ one.

Background

The Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) is one of the pillars of EU Defence Policy. It provides a framework for defence cooperation among the 25 participating EU member states who have entered into more binding commitments between one another. They jointly develop defence capabilities, coordinate investments, enhance the operational readiness, interoperability and resilience of their armed forces, and collaborate in projects.

On 5 November 2020, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2020/1639 establishing the general conditions under which third states could exceptionally be invited to participate in individual PESCO projects. The countries applying must meet political, legal, and substantive conditions, including sharing the values on which the EU is founded and not contravene the security and defence interests of the EU and its member states.