Civilian CSDP - JHA Cooperation Civilian CSDP Missions

Civilian Operation Commander Operational Guidelines on Mainstreaming Anti-Corruption and Building Integrity

European External Action Service (EEAS) Guidance documents, handbooks Public 2025

These EEAS guidelines advocate for a preventative approach to corruption for civilian CSDP missions, focusing on building a culture of integrity and trust within public systems rather than a punitive approach. They highlight the need for situational assessments, development of codes of ethics, and public participation. They provide practical tools for integrating anti-corruption measures into both host country institutions and missions themselves.

The guidelines are divided into two parts. The first discusses civilian CSDP activities with host authorities. It recommends starting with a situational assessment to understand the root causes, stakeholders, and the nature and scope of corruption in the host state. The document outlines various analytical tools and methods, including corruption analysis, stakeholder analysis, and political economy analysis. 

The insights gained through this analysis can then be used to build integrity through local ownership and establishing oversight bodies, to promote accountability through independent auditors, investigators, and prosecutors, and to enhance transparency through open information and data sharing. A heavy emphasis is placed on actively engaging with civil society and raising public awareness to promote public trust and political participation.

The second part addresses the internal operations of CSDP missions themselves. Missions must lead by example by promoting a culture of integrity and transparency within their own activities. This involves adhering to common codes of conduct, ethics, and standards of behaviour. The guidelines detail the planning and implementation processes for the internal anti-corruption measures , emphasising the importance of situational awareness, stakeholder engagement, and context-sensitive approaches. 

Furthermore, they describe monitoring, evaluating, and reviewing anti-corruption measures to ensure their effectiveness. Communicating openly with the public and engaging with civil society are also presented as key strategies to build trust and legitimacy for the mission's anti-corruption efforts.

Reference: European External Action Service (2025). Civilian Operation Commander Operational Guidelines on Mainstreaming Anti-Corruption and Building Integrity. Council of the European Union.

Resource

PDF | 32 pages
Read the full guidelines

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