Last week, the CoE participated in the second Annual Civilian Capabilities Conference (ACCC), hosted by the European External Action Service (EEAS).

The Annual Civilian Capabilities Conference

The growing complexity of global security challenges has highlighted an increasing need for robust and coordinated civilian crisis management capabilities. This has led to a focus on the importance of civilian CSDP. 

The ACCC, established as part of the 2023 Civilian CSDP Compact, serves as a platform for Member States to identify capability gaps within civilian crisis management, and coordinate efforts to address them.

The Capabilities Assessment Report

At the conference, the first ever Сivilian Сapability Assessment Report was presented by the EEAS, offering insights into the strengths and gaps within the EU’s civilian crisis management capabilities.

The report identifies several critical areas for increased development, such as hybrid and cyber threats, and Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI). It recommends a modular, scalable approach to missions, with smaller mission size, but increased flexibility, to enable greater adaptation to changing circumstances and local needs.

The report will play an integral role in informing planning and resource allocation within EU Civilian CSDP. 

Looking Forward

Speaking at the conference, CoE Director Johanna Sumuvuori highlighted the Centre’s role in supporting Member States in developing national capabilities for civilian CSDP, outlining both the work undertaken so far and the vision for future engagement.

She emphasised the importance of a more coordinated, ambitious, and forward-looking approach to civilian CSDP. She also highlightedthe need to continue developing the CoE’s central role as a connector between civilian CSDP missions, Member States, and the EEAS.

Johanna also identified some of her core focuses, including:

• Improved coordination across across ministries, agencies, and parliaments, identifying the National Governance Cluster’s role as a framework to share best practices on national governance;

• Flexible procedures to allow rapid deployment of appropriate personnel, complementing the recommendations in the Civilian Capability Assessment Report;

• Greater visibility of civilian CSDP, especially through utilising Strategic Communications to portray a clear narrative of CSDP as an integral part of EU peace and security.

The CoE is set to take on an even more proactive role in shaping a coordinated, future-focused approach to civilian crisis management, ensuring that the EU remains well prepared for current and future crises.