Focus on Balkans

Odd news accompanied preview reports of the meeting in the capital of the German state of Hesse: Defense ministers will be treated to a performance of mouth organ player France De Gemini, who became famous for the title melody of the movie "Once Upon a Time in the West."

They might also have to look for alternative accomodation as workers at their hotel were still considering going on strike over pay negotiations on Wednesday evening.

Out of Bosnia, into Kosovo

But back to business. Minsters are expected to focus on the EU's mission in Bosnia, which is expected to end soon. They will also talk about future involvement in Kosovo, where the bloc wants to take on an increased role once an agreement on the province's status has been reached.

NATO currently has 16,000 troops in Kosovo and is planning on keeping them there, but the EU will take on the role of policing and civilian administrative duties from the UN. Germany currently has about 2,300 soldiers in Kosovo.

Ministers are also likely to discuss plans for a US missile defense shield, parts of which could be stationed in Poland and the Czech Republic.

The Cyprus issue

Closer cooperation with NATO is another topic of the conference, which will be attended by NATO Secretary General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer and EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana.

Relations have soured because NATO member Turkey has been hesitating to discuss sensitive issues with EU member Cyprus as the two countries are still in a dispute over the island's Turkish-controlled northern part. Turkey does not recognize the government of Cyprus as a result.