Partnerships
Peace, security and defence partnerships are a cornerstone of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy. This page explains the European Union’s partnerships around the world with third countries and international organizations.
Why partnerships are important?
In an increasingly complex and interconnected world, the EU firmly believes that global peace and security can only be achieved through effective multilateralism and international cooperation. Common security threats and challenges can only be addressed together with partners. This is why peace, security and defence partnerships are a cornerstone of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, as outlined in the Strategic Compass and EU Readiness 2030.
The EU wants to be a capable, predictable and reliable actor for its partners. For this reason, the EU has built a comprehensive toolkit for tailored and mutually-beneficial peace, security and defence partnerships. It includes dialogues, consultations, knowledge exchanges, joint assessments and initiatives as well as operational cooperation with key bilateral and multilateral partners. In addition to bilateral dialogues, the EU has launched the Schuman Security and Defence Forum to foster global dialogue on peace, security and defence matters, as well as dialogues at regional level. Overall, this makes EU responses to security threats and challenges more effective, adaptive, and coordinated.
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EU-NATO strategic partnership
The NATO-EU strategic partnership is founded on shared values, determination to tackle common challenges and unequivocal commitment to promote and safeguard peace, freedom and prosperity in the Euro-Atlantic area. The mutually beneficial strategic partnership is an indispensable pillar for the development of the EU’s security and defence dimension.
EU-UN strategic partnership on peace and security
EU-UN cooperation underscores the interdependence of peace, development, and human rights, and the need for multilateral action to uphold the international rules-based order.
The EU and the UN closely cooperate in crisis management and peacebuilding around the world, and support each other’s missions and operations.
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EU Security and Defence Partnerships
Security and Defence Partnerships are non-binding instruments concluded between the EU and key bilateral partners in the field of peace, security and defence, providing a comprehensive framework for enhanced dialogue and cooperation.
Other multilateral partnerships
The EU deepens its relations on shared peace, security and defence priorities with other key multilateral partners, such as the African Union (AU), the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) or the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
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