High Level Event of Civilian CSDP in Brussels

“The new Civilian Compact is good news for EUBAM Libya as for all civilian missions of the European Union. First and foremost, it is an additional evidence for the strong support of the Member States for our work. Second, it gives us new options for quick reaction and adaptation to sometimes challenging and rapidly changing conditions on the ground. And third, it shows that the civilian missions as flagships of the European Union’s external action are vigorously evolving organizations. Our experiences on the ground are constantly evaluated and feed into the overall development of Common Security and Defence Policy”, states Natalina Cea, Head of Mission EUBAM Libya.

European Union

From left to right: Gunnar STRÖMMER (Minister for Justice, Sweden), Tobias BILLSTRÖM (Minister for Foreign Affairs, Sweden)

Background

The Compact aims to strengthen the civilian side of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and enhance the civilian missions’ effectiveness, impact, flexibility and robustness. This will enable them to tackle more efficiently current, emerging and future security challenges.

European Union

Josep BORRELL FONTELLES (High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy)

Objectives

The new Compact includes concrete commitments to have strengthened headquarters for civilian missions, strengthen the resilience of host states and related missions, enhance synergies with other EU instruments under the Integrated Approach to Conflicts and Crises and promote coordination and cooperation with justice and home affairs (JHA) and other relevant EU actors and partners. It also aims at investing further in the necessary capabilities aiming to increase the number of seconded experts across all missions and all levels aiming to reach at least 40 percent women’s participation and 100 percent seconded staff in operational positions.

Furthermore, the EU strengthens its civilian missions to better respond to crises around the world.

European Union