ESDC/Western Balkans: CSDP Training Programme started in Skopje
The current training programme is the 12th cycle (the first CSDP training programme was in 2006). It consists of three modules, starting with an e-learning course, followed by an orientation course and concluding with a reflection seminar. The EU Member States were invited to send participants as well, which is beneficial for both sides; the EU participants can learn a lot about the region, which will soon join the Union, and the Western Balkan participants can discuss CSDP issues with EU partners face-to-face.
The orientation course in Skopje was opened by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr Bekim Maksuti, and the course director, Dr Jochen Rehrl, only one day after the referendum on the new country name 'Republic of North Macedonia'. The training activity was provided in support of the Western Balkans strategy and the priorities of the Austrian Presidency of the Council of the EU.
The topics throughout the week focused on:
- capability development, in particular permanent structured cooperation (PESCO);
- CSDP missions and operations, in particular third states' participation; and
- horizontal issues, such as strategic communication, hybrid threats, migration and cybersecurity.
30 of the 54 participants will attend the third module in Vienna. By doing so, they will be eligible to receive a certificate for the full three-modular training programme. The certificate is signed by the High Representative and recognised in all 28 EU Member States and in the EU institutions.
This training activity was provided by Austria, Croatia and Hungary in cooperation with the European Commission and under the auspices of the European Security and Defence College. It was supported by a number of ESDC network partners, such as the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES), the Finnish Defence Forces International Centre (FINCENT), the Royal Institute for International Relations (Egmont Institute), the Irish Edward Kennedy Institute, the Spanish Ministry of Defence and the Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Background: TAIEX is the Technical Assistance and Information Exchange instrument of the European Commission. TAIEX supports public administrations with regard to the approximation, application and enforcement of EU legislation as well as by facilitating the sharing of EU best practices.
