Developing a common European security and defence policy CFSP after Cologne and Helsinki

The European Parliament adopted, by 326 votes to 119 with 49 abstentions, the report by Mrs Catherine LALUMIERE (PES, F) on a Common European Security and Defence Policy (CESDP) after Cologne and Helsinki. The report adopted reflects the amendments laid down by the committee responsible. (Please refer to the previous document). Furthermore, an amendment was included which calls for restrictions on arms exports and for the EU Code of Conduct on Arms Exports to be made mandatory. Further amendments express concern that there should be no cutting back on EU's social and economic priorities as a result of an increase in defence expenditure and express the hope that the pooling of resources will lead to a rationalisation of military spending.