European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) is an important element of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). Its main objectives are crisis management operations and other activities, as well as developing new instruments and concepts aimed at attaining CFSP goals. It is focused on military and civilian crisis management operations, including response in case of natural, humanitarian or other catastrophes, and a systematic approach to planning the appropriate capacities and institutions.

Development

The beginning of ESDP dates back to the 1990s, when the Common Foreign and Security Policy was developed. In 1998, the French-British Summit in St Malo established the framework and main objectives of ESDP. In that period, ESDP was developing within the Western European Union, as well as in the European Security and Defence Identity within NATO. In 1999, the European Council in Cologne formally confirmed the role and defined the goals of ESDP. Ever since then, the development of ESDP has been very fast and dynamic, especially in adopting an institutional framework for capacity building. The development may be divided in two phases: the first one from 1998 to 2002, when the framework was established and capacities defined, and the second one since 2002, when ESDP has come to be fully alive. Today, its role and dimensions clearly show its structure and operations reaching from South Eastern Europe and Eastern Europe, to the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

European Security Strategy

The European Security Strategy entitled “A secure Europe in a better world”, which was adopted in 2003, ensures the political framework of ESDP. In the introduction, the Strategy as a doctrinal document analyses the main challenges and threats to European security: terrorism, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, regional conflicts, failed states and organised crime. On the basis of the analysis, the Strategy defines three EU goals in ensuring its security and promoting values: confronting threats with a policy of conflict prevention using civilian and military capabilities; consolidation of security in the European Neighbourhood in the Western Balkans, Middle East and Caucasus; and promotion of effective multilateralism in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.

Institutions

At the strategic level, ESDP institutions fall under the responsibility of the European Council and the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). At the operative level, the Political and Security Committee is responsible for political control and supervision  and closely cooperates with the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Javier Solana, and the EU Military Council.

Capabilities

The initial activities were defined with the Petersberg tasks, which included the implementation of peace operations, establishing peace, providing humanitarian aid and ensuring assistance in case of natural and other catastrophes. The development of the civilian crisis management component began in 2000 with the decision in Feira, defining activities in the fields of police, justice, public administration and civil protection on the basis of the Civilian Headline Goal 2008 from 2004. The development of military component of crisis management continued in 1999 with the European Headline Goal and was upgraded with the EU battle group concept (up to the level of brigade) in 2004, becoming operative in 2007 with the possibility of deployment in 5–10 days for 30–120 days.

The development of capabilities signified a more systematic approach, as well as broadening content, strengthening cooperation with other players and establishing institutions to help in this development. The European Defence Agency is responsible for the long-term development of coherent policy in the fields of defence industry and markets, research, development, and armament.

The EU has developed various instruments, such as providing assistance to security sector reform, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, as an important element in conflict prevention, as well as in post-conflict management.

Berlin Plus

The Berlin Plus agreement represents a milestone in the development of EU capabilities, providing it with access to and application of NATO capabilities in terms of planning and use. Both organisations developed the framework of cooperation, aimed at complementary development of capabilities. In the field of crisis management, the EU cooperates with the United Nations and other organisations. In addition, the cooperation of third countries in EU operations increases capabilities to a large extent.

Slovenia and ESDP

Slovenia supports further development of ESDP in all its dimensions: operations, institutions and capabilities. Slovenia currently participates in ESDP operations in Bosnia and Herzegovina; it also participated in the ESDP operation in the Democratic Republic of Congo and in the EU support to the African Union in Sudan/Darfur. Slovenia plans to participate in the ESDP operation in Kosovo. Together with Italy and Hungary, Slovenia has been participating in the EU Battle Group in the second half of 2007.

EU and ESDP Presidency

In accordance with the joint 18-month presidency programme of Germany, Portugal and Slovenia, we will strive to strengthen the strategic partnership between the EU and NATO, and to intensify cooperation with key partners. The work of managing current and planning new operations will continue. Special emphasis will be put on further development of civil and military capabilities, training and civil-military cooperation.

Useful links:

www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_fo/showPage.asp