In 2013, the European Union celebrates the tenth anniversary of its first strategic doctrine, the European Security Strategy (ESS). Over the past decade, the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) has developed resources, capabilities and procedures to establish itself as a crisis manager. More than 25 operations have since been launched, with half of them successfully closed. However, operational requirements are becoming onerous as the demand for security provision is increasing, due to upheaval in the neighbourhood, transformations to global security in a multi-polar world and defence budget restrictions caused by austerity. In this respect, providing the Union with clearer and up to date strategic guidelines to ensure a “comprehensive approach” supported by a “comprehensive action” is widely regarded as the core challenge member states will need to cope with.
This event is the first in a series that the Centre for European Policy Studies will organise in the course of 2013, to stimulate debate among multiple stakeholders on three strategic trajectories for CSDP: structures, capabilities (pooling & sharing) and common threats. It will specifically focus on the civilian-military structures to plan and conduct CSDP missions and operations as the nerve system of the EU’s comprehensive approach to crisis management. Current EU engagement and interventions in complex theatres, such as the Horn of Africa and Sahel, will also be covered.
Participation in this event is free of charge. A sandwich lunch (€6) will be served before the meeting, from 12.30 onwards.