NATO approved a deal today to make available its planning resources for European Union military operations, ending a two-year deadlock in the EU's fledgling rapid reaction force, a NATO spokesman said.
Spokesman Mr Yves Brodeur said "We have a deal. The North Atlantic Council agreed to adopt a series of decisions with a view to...supporting EU-led operations in which the alliance as a whole is not engaged militarily..."
He said the agreement, long delayed by a stand-off between Greece and Turkey, would be finalised by an exchange of letters between NATO Secretary-General Mr George Robertson and EU foreign policy chief Mr Javier Solana and a signing ceremony next week.
"EU access to NATO planning capabilities able to contribute to military planning for EU-led operations is now assured, effective immediately," Mr Brodeur said.
The deal means the EU will be able to launch its first peacekeeping operation in Macedonia early next year. The EU also volunteered today to take over from NATO the larger peacekeeping role in Bosnia.