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The Common Security and Defence Policy

The Civilian CSDP Compact

This page explains how the Civilian CSDP Compact enhances the EU's ability to respond to global security challenges.

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The Compact explained

The Civilian CSDP Compact is a strategic policy of the EU to enhance its civilian crisis management. The Compact’s goal is to speed up rapid deployment to crisis areas while improving cooperation with other organisations like the UN and NATO.

It aims to streamline decision-making and also calls for greater investment in civilian capabilities.

The Compact Commitments

The new Civilian CSDP Compact has 20 deliverables and commitments that are organised around four work strands: Act, Secure, Invest & Partner.

Some of the commitments include to

  • establish a fully-fledged operational headquarters for all civilian missions
  • be able to deploy 200 personnel within 30 days to crisis environments
  • strengthen the resilience of host states and our civilian missions against hybrid and cyber threats
  • tackle foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI)
  • invest in staff capabilities by EG improving training and boosting women’s participation to at least 40%
  • improve cooperation with local and international organisations such as the UN, NATO and others

 

Implementation and Review of the Compact

The current Civilian CSDP Compact, adopted in 2023 is set to be fully delivered by mid-2027. The European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission and Member States work together to implement the Compact. 

Member States participate in a civilian capability development process that assesses our needs and to review progress in the respective National Implementation Plans. 

Annual review conferences allow us to assess whether our needs are met and plan the work for the following year.

 

 

Background to the Civilian Compact

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.