Civilian CSDP Compact Civilian CSDP Missions

24 July 2024

CSDP 101

European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management (CoE) Public 2025 Factsheets and infographics

Three explainers by CoE providing elementary explanations of: what the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) is, how civilian CSDP missions work, and a timeline of the history of civilian CSDP.

What is the CSDP? It is an important part of the EU's foreign policy, providing a unified EU response to external conflicts and the complex causes and threats involved. CSDP is divided into civilian and military spheres, with civilian CSDP supporting improvements in the rule of law, governance, and human rights. It forms an integral part of the EU's broader Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) toolbox.

What are civilian CSDP missions? They are deployed at the invitation of host countries to prevent conflict, stabilise crises, and support peacebuilding. Their activities are guided by mission-specific mandates, and can include training and support for justice and security institutions and monitoring and management improvement in boundaries and borders.

The development of civilian CSDP. The European Council established and outlined civilian CSDP around 1999-2000 with the principles of policing, rule of law, civil administration, and civil protection. The first mission was launched in the Balkans in 2003 and the Civilian Operations HQ (then Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability) was created in 2007, becoming a directorate of the European External Action Service (EEAS) upon the EEAS's creation in 2009. The 2018 and 2023 Civilian CSDP Compacts were produced by the Member States to build effectiveness in EU and national institutions participating in civilian CSDP.

References: 

European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management (2025). What is the CSDP?

European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management (2025). What are civilian CSDP missions?

European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management (2025). The development of civilian CSDP.

What is the CSDP?

PDF | 14 pages
Read the explainer

What are civilian CSDP missions?

PDF | 11 pages
Read the explainer

The development of civilian CSDP

PDF | 10 pages
Read the explainer

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