The Civilian CSDP Compact

The Civilian CSDP Compact is the common political framework for strengthening the EU’s civilian Common Security and Defence Policy. Adopted in May 2023 by the Council and the representatives of the Member States, it builds on the first Compact agreed in 2018 and reflects the priorities of the EU Strategic Compass. It responds to a security environment in which civilian missions face more complex threats, higher operational demands and a growing need to adapt their support to changing conditions on the ground. 

The Compact sets a shared direction for making civilian CSDP more effective, flexible, robust and responsive. It covers the full range of factors that enable missions to deliver: clear objectives and focused mandates; effective planning and decision-making; suitable personnel and specialised expertise; rapid and adaptable deployment; reliable command, support and evaluation structures; and sustained cooperation with partners. 

The Compact is both an EU-level and a national undertaking. Member States provide the personnel and capabilities on which civilian missions depend, while the European External Action Service and the European Commission support policy development, planning, conduct, financing and implementation. The Compact therefore links political ambition with practical action across institutions and national systems. Its commitments provide a common basis for developing civilian capabilities, improving mission performance and ensuring that civilian CSDP is positioned well as a relevant and credible instrument of EU external action. Follow the link to download the Civilian CSDP Compact Booklet (PDF)

The Compact contains 20 commitments, supported by concrete deliverables and timelines. They are organised under four work strands drawn from the Strategic Compass: Act, Secure, Invest and Partner. Together, they address how civilian missions are planned, deployed, staffed, supported and connected to the wider EU response to conflicts and security challenges. 

The commitments seek to make civilian CSDP more effective in practice. They include measures to: 

• strengthen command and control through a fully fledged Civilian Operations Headquarters; 
• enable faster and more flexible deployment, with the ambition to deploy 200 experts within 30 days, including to complex environments; 
• use more modular and scalable forms of engagement that can adapt to changing needs; 
• strengthen the resilience of partner countries and civilian missions against hybrid and cyber threats; 
• counter foreign information manipulation and interference and improve secure communications; 
• increase the availability and quality of civilian capabilities through stronger national structures, training, leadership development and secondments; 
• increase women’s participation among international staff to at least 40%, while promoting gender-responsive leadership and inclusive working environments; and 
• strengthen cooperation with justice and home affairs actors, civil society, partner countries and international organisations, including the United Nations, NATO and the OSCE. 

These commitments are mutually reinforcing. More ambitious and adaptable missions require suitable personnel, reliable support, effective partnerships and sustained investment by both the EU and its Member States. Follow the link to download the Civilian CSDP Compact Booklet (PDF)

The current Civilian CSDP Compact was adopted in 2023 and is intended to be fully implemented by early summer 2027. Implementation is a shared responsibility. Member States, the European External Action Service and the European Commission each contribute within their respective roles, from developing national capabilities and providing personnel to policy development, mission planning, financing and operational support. 

Member States set out national measures through their National Implementation Plans. These plans support national follow-up on commitments relating to personnel, training, structures, procedures and other capabilities required for civilian CSDP. Member States also participate in the Civilian Capability Development Process, which provides a structured approach to assessing needs, identifying gaps, planning capability development and reviewing whether the required capabilities are becoming available in practice. 

Progress is reviewed regularly at EU level. Annual conferences take stock of implementation. Reporting and capability assessments provide additional evidence on whether agreed measures are producing tangible improvements. This review process helps maintain political attention, supports coordination among those responsible for implementation and allows priorities to be adjusted as the security environment and operational requirements evolve. Follow the  link to download the Civilian CSDP Compact Booklet (PDF)

The Civilian CSDP Compact of 2023 builds on the first Civilian CSDP Compact, adopted in 2018. 

To date, significant progress has been achieved in various areas. 

• New policies, concepts and procedures have been introduced.
• Decision making process have been streamlined.
• Secondment of personnel has improved.
• Capacities have developed through training programmes.
• The EU's capacities in the cyber & hybrid domains have increased.
• The EU has improved its ability to rapidly deploy and adapt in crisis management.

The Compact has a direct impact on civilian crisis management by making civilian missions more effective and efficient. 

• Follow the link for the full text of the Civilian CSDP Compact - Towards more effective civilian missions