The Horizon programme, in cooperation between the United Kingdom, Italy and France, was supposed to bring substantial savings compared to national programmes and to structure the european naval industry.

  Following a proposal from the United Kingdom, ministers of defence from the United Kingdom, Italy and France decided, on 25 April 1999, to terminate the tripartite cooperation on Horizon which had begun in 1994. They also decided that the next stage of the PAAMS programme, which represents a large amount of the total cost of the frigate, should be launched soon.

  This decision concerning Horizon is a consequence of the industry's inability, in particular the potential prime contractor, to commit itself to an industrial organisation and a bid to meet the three countries' requirements.

  Discussions were immediately engaged between Italy and France to consider opportunities for a bilateral cooperative programme of the anti-air warfare frigates, on the basis of the existing agreements and work.

  The nature, still very national, of the naval industries engaged in this programme is surely one of the main issues encountered by industry in fulfilling the nations requirements.

  As such, the european movement of restructuring armament industries, launched in Europe, should favour the success of future cooperative programmes. Moreover, the launch of OCCAR will enable a more efficient management of cooperative programmes between our countries.

  These industrial and government initiatives are aimed at improving the launch and progress of cooperative programmes which are a major step in the building of the Europe of armament.