security and defence as part of a shared multinational framework. This framework will be developed both within the nation, through a strengthened global intergovernmental approach to issues, and in the international arena, through military cooperation and integration with the collective defence structures. Active participation in security and defence. The strategy of sharing security and defence requires the nation to be, within its means, an active net contributor. This requires the nation to be involved both in the definition and implementation of capabilities (military and otherwise) for the prevention, deterrence and elimination of potential threats to stability and security, as well as in the international effort to ensure the best conditions for peace and development. Multiple fields of action. The creation of a solid and lasting framework of international security and defence requires a diversified multidisciplinary approach, with different degrees of effort depending on the severity of the national interests at risk and the use of all the tools at the State’s tools disposal, including the military. 76. In accordance with this objective, the Defence will aim to create an integrated and modern military component, able to acquire, develop and sustain over time the skills best suited for: - understanding the causes of modern conflict and the needs arising from the evolution of the international situation; - preventing the emergence and consolidation of situations of risk or threats to the country; - intervene quickly, precisely and effectively to handle crisis situations and to eliminate any threats to the security and interests of the country. The three main aspects of the military component to consider are: quantity, quality and capability. 77. The quantitative aspect of the military component will remain substantially unchanged with respect to the levels required by current legislation. The Ministry of Defence has already started reducing personnel, with Law No. 244, 2012, going from 190,000 military and 30,000 civilians to 150,000 military and 20,000 civilians. The Ministry of Defence, however, aims to create a younger, more streamlined and flexi- - 40 -