Europe told to 'rethink security'

By Katya Adler
BBC News correspondent in Madrid

The Madrid bombings in March highlighted the need for action

A new study commissioned by the European Union has called for a fundamental rethink of Europe's approach to security.

It has also recommended the creation of a European Human Security Response Force, with 15,000 personnel.

The report was written by a study group convened last year at the request of EU foreign affairs chief Javier Solana.

He asked the group for independent advice on how best to pursue a common security policy for Europe.

Global insecurity

In the 21st Century, no country is immune from terrorism, organised crime, or the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the study's authors say.

They argue that the security of Europe is indivisible from the security situation in the rest of the world, and conclude that it is in Europe's own interest to tackle the growing global insecurity, within its borders and beyond.

But there is no call for a war on terror here.

The study proposes that human rather than nation-state security should be at the heart of European policy.

Rather than just defeating enemies, EU missions should focus on protecting civilians through law enforcement and with the occasional use of weapons.

The study says that at least one-third of the proposed European Human Security Force should be civilian, to benefit from a variety of professional skills.

This European Human Security study is to be presented on Wednesday at the Barcelona Forum, a five-month international extravaganza which has focused, amongst other things, on world peace.