CSDP structure and agencies

The roles and responsibilities of the main institutions and organs within the functioning of the CSDP are presented below.

THE EUROPEAN COUNCIL 

It defines the Union's strategic interests, sets objectives and defines the general guidelines of the CFSP, including matters affecting political and defense matters (Article 26(1) TEU).

Under the CSDP, it decides on the creation of a common defense (Article 42(2) TEU).

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION

Under the CSDP, the Council decides on:

  • undertaking a civilian or military mission (Article 43(2) TEU),
  • entrusting a mission to a group of Member States (Article 44 TEU),
  • the statutes, seat and rules of operation of the European Defence Agency (Article 45(2) TEU),
  • establishing permanent structured cooperation (Article 46(2) TEU) and taking decisions and recommendations under this cooperation (Article 46(6) TEU).

POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE

It performs two main functions: 

  • monitors the international situation in areas relating to the CFSP and contributes to the definition of policies, delivering opinions within the Council, without prejudice to the work of Coreper; 
  • under the responsibility of the Council and of the High Representative, it exercises political control and strategic direction of civilian and military CSDP missions and operations and may, when appropriate and if so empowered by the Council, take decisions in this area

Advisory functions in relation to the Political And Security Committee (PSC) are performed by, among others:

  • The EU Military Committee (EUMC) - it directs all military activities within the EU framework, in particular the planning and execution of military missions and operations under the CSDP and the development of military capabilities, also gives military advice to the PSC and makes recommendations on military matters.
  • Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CivCom) - it provides information, makes recommendations and provides advice on civilian aspects of crisis management to the PSC;
  • Political and Military Group (PMG) - carries out preparatory work in the area of the CSDP for the PSC, deals with the political side of the EU overs the political aspects of EU military and civil-military issues, including concepts, capabilities and operations and missions. 

EUROPEAN COMMISSION

Although the right of initiative under the CSDP belongs to the Member States and the EU High Representative, the latter may exercise it in some cases jointly with the Commission (Articles 30(1) and 42(4) TEU).

In addition, the EC's activity under the CSDP focuses on strengthening the defense industry (Article 173 TfEU).

HIGH REPRESENTATIVE OF THE UNION FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND SECURITY POLICY

The High Representative chairs the Foreign Affairs Council and serves as Vice-President of the European Commission (Article 18 TEU).

HP/VP contributes, through his proposals, to the development of this policy and implements it acting under the authority of the Council. Under CFSP, including CSDP, it has the right of initiative alone or jointly with the EC (Articles 30(1) and 42(4) TEU).

It ensures the coordination of civilian and military CSDP missions under the direction of the Council and in close and constant consultation with the Political and Security Committee (Article 43(2) TEU).

EUROPEAN EXTERNAL ACTION SERVICE (EEAS)

EEAS supports the High Representative of the European Union in carrying out his mandate (Article 27(3) TEU).

It is composed of officials from the relevant departments of the General Secretariat of the Council and of the Commission and staff seconded from national diplomatic services.

Assists the High Representative of the Union in carrying out his mandate (Article 27(3) TEU).

It is composed of officials from the relevant departments of the General Secretariat of the Council and of the Commission and staff delegated by national diplomatic services.

The EEAS units responsible for the implementation of CSDP tasks include:

  • Crisis Management and Planning Directorate - provides politico-strategic planning for CSDP civilian missions and military operations;
  • The Civilian Planning And Conduct Capability (CPCC)– ensures effective planning and conducting civilian CSDP crisis management missions;
  • European Union Military Staff - operates under the direction of the EU Military Committee and the High Representative of the European Union; coordinates military activities and military capability development.
  • The Military Planning And Conduct Capability (MPCC) -   it is responsible for the operational planning and conduct of the EU’s non-executive military missions, planning and conducting one executive military operation of the size of an EU Battlegroup.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

The High Representative consults the EP on the main aspects and basic options of the CSDP and reports on the development of these policies. The EP may also address questions and recommendations to the EU High Representative or the Council (Article 36 TEU). In addition, the EP exercises control over the CSDP budget (Article 41 TEU).

CSDP matters in the EP are dealt with by the Subcommittee on Security and Defence.

EUROPEAN DEFENSE AGENCY (EDA)

The main tasks of the EDA are to

 • support the development of defence capabilities and military cooperation among Member States; 

• support the implementation of the EU defence initiatives: Coordinated Annual Review on Defence (CARD), Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), European Defence Fund (EDF); 

• stimulate defence research and technology (R&T); 

• strengthen the European defence industry; 

• act as a military interface to EU policies; 

• provide support to CSDP operations.

The Agency carries out its activities, where necessary, in liaison with the European Commission.

EU INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES (EUISS)

The activities of the Institute focus on providing analyses and fora for discussion that can be of use and relevance to the formulation of EU policy, organization of networking workshops and events, and collection of relevant documentation for officials and experts from European Union and Member States.

EU SATELLITE CENTER (SATCEN) 

SATCEN supports the European Union's decision-making and action in the field of CFSP, and in particular CSDP.

EUROPEAN SECURITY AND DEFENSE COLLEGE 

The European Security And Defense College provides training and education in the field of Common security and defense policy at European level.