Some months ago the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Dr. Solana, presented to the European Council in Thessaloniki a European Security Strategy ESS , entitled "A Secure Europe in a Better World". On the basis of national comments and discussions in several workshops, we are currently finalising this strategy paper with a view to endorsement at the European Council in Rome in December 2003. The Security Strategy will then be an overarching and guiding document for further action and activities for the European Union in various fields. This document includes a common analysis of the risks and threats we are faced with, elaborates the strategic objectives, how to address the threats and identifies the relevant policy implications for the European Union. The Security Strategy also covers a number of aspects related to the subject of this seminar. Let me highlight some of these aspects.