111. Adjustments in the level of preparation of the armed forces and, consequently, the parameters of usability, sustainability and projectability, may be obtained more quickly than changes in the structure and unit composition. The preparation and the readiness of the forces are, therefore, the most effective tools to respond rapidly to changes in the current security environment. What does Defence have to be ready for? 112. In addition of its primary task i.e. to ensure adequate defence of the State and in a NATO context, collective defence, the defence forces will have to be ready to contribute to the European Union to carry out a series of activities and operations that include: - rapid operations aimed to protect vital national interests, either independently or as part of a broader coalition; - peace operations and stabilization in response to international crises; - specialist support activities and a training, both nationally and abroad; - the safeguarding of free institutions in case of necessity or urgency; - humanitarian assistance and support in case of disasters, both nationally and abroad; - evacuation of overseas compatriots in case of emergency. 113. Defence will continue to regularly check how best to adapt their levels of preparation and readiness that will allow it to better manage the challenges and opportunities presented by strategic changes in the regional area. This will also allow for efficient political decision-making, resource allocation and outcome monitoring. The Defence will implement a new management system focused on the levels of readiness and preparation of the forces. The progressive reduction of the national effort in many large operations that has characterized the past decade, and offers the opportunity to find a new balance in the forces, allowing it to better support the security policies of the Euro - Mediterranean region. - 52 -