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The Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
The Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) enables the Union to take a leading role in peace-keeping operations, conflict prevention and in the strengthening of the international security. It is an integral part of the EU's comprehensive approach towards crisis management, drawing on civilian and military assets.
The Presidents of the European Council and Commission and NATO Secretary General on 10 July issued a second Joint Declaration highlighting substantial progress in cooperation between the two organisations since 2016, welcoming EU efforts to boost the Union's security and defence capabilities and agreeing to increase work in the areas of military mobility, counter- terrorism, countering chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear-related risks and the promotion of the women, peace and security agenda. The capabilities developed through the defence initiatives of the EU and NATO should remain coherent, complementary and interoperable, agreed the leaders meeting in Brussels.
Following the "Global Strategy for the European Union's Foreign and Security Policy" presented in 2016 by High Representative Mogherini, a whole range of concrete initiatives was launched to strengthen the EU's role as a security provider for Europe and globally. In this context, cooperation with Latin America is an important element. The seminar, held in Madrid from 2 to 5 July, brought together colleagues from the European External Action Service (EEAS), EU Member States, and a wide range of Latin American countries. The meeting took stock of developments and discussed key issues such as cybersecurity in the context of hybrid threats or concrete EU action for example to support security in the Sahel region or gender mainstreaming in the EU's Common Defence and Security Policy (CSDP).
On 28 June the new 2018 EU Capability Development Plan and associated Priorities were approved. They will now serve as a guiding reference for any related initiatives taken by Member States or EU. In this way, the new Plan and Priorities will be instrumental in achieving greater coherence and faster results when developing the European defence project.
Cooperation between Member States within the framework of "Permanent Structured Cooperation", sharing of defence plans and more investment in security and defence will strengthen the EU's strategic autonomy and reinforce NATO, agree all 28 national leaders.
Cyber threats have multiplied over recent years and can pose serious threats to the EU, its Member States and citizens. On 25 June, six EU countries signed a Declaration of Intent for the development of an EU Cyber Rapid Response Force, which more countries are expected to soon join.
