Developed in 2003, the European security strategy reflects a dated environment: the Balkans crisis and the end of the Cold War. The December 2007 European Council called for a revision of the strategy as a cool-headed updating exercise, reviewing both new threats and the necessity of strengthening the Union's military and civilian capabilities. But the crisis in Georgia, with Russia's will to play a more assertive role on the European and world scene, requires a revision that is more sensitive and strategic, particularly because it has to be conducted under heat.

The strategy has "proved its worth," explains Javier Solana, the high representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The threats described in 2003 - terrorism, organised crime, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, regional conflicts and decline of states - "have not disappeared". On the contrary, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction has "increased" in the Middle East, for example. But the "context has changed since 2003". The "world that surrounds us is changing fast". Some issues like climate change, energy security and cyber security are "much more topical," in the same way as the destabilising consequences of migratory movements and natural disasters. "They deserve more attention." The problems are more inter-connected. Organised crime, illegal immigration, the threat to maritime safety and terrorism are all fed by regional conflicts and vice versa.

The EU's response "must be more coherent than it is today". At the same time, it is equally vital, notes a document presented to the defence ministers in September, to continue enjoying the support of citizens for the Union's action. Three ground rules are proposed for revision of the security strategy:

- continue to contribute to an effective multilateral system, "working with the emerging powers," so that they "will assume more responsibilities," for example on climate change and climate security

- pursue implementation of a "solid and peaceful neighbourhood" by "putting more effort into dispute settlement and combating instability". This implies greater anticipation, the coordination of European action and strengthening of the capabilities of the countries or regional organisations concerned

- tackle threats at source. The EU "must have the capacity and the political will to intervene effectively and to promote long-term stability"

The 'jumbo' Foreign Affairs and Defence Council, scheduled for 10 November, ahead of the European Council on 11 December, could proceed with final adoption of this document.