European Common Security and Defence Policy

Since the beginning of the European Common Security and Defence Policy more than twenty civilian missions have been deployed in post-conflict and potential crisis environments, i.e. Afghanistan, Iraq, Georgia, the Palestinian Territories, the Western Balkans, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Northern Africa and Southeast Asia. The civilian dimension focusing on establishing the rule of law, functioning institutions and security sector reform is crucial for crisis management and peacebuilding. CSDP missions are more than a regular foreign policy: they are an embodiment of direct operational engagement through the deployment of the EU personnel on the ground. In order for them to be effective, however, they need to derive from the common denominator of geopolitical interest of most member states. Thus, this book stresses the main criteria for effective and visible civilian mission in the future. Now more than ever, the European Union needs a strong foreign and security policy to demonstrate its role and power in the world. The content of this book represents personal views of the author and does not reflect the official views of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs.