On 20-21 November, the CoE welcomed its members, as well as the European External Action Service as ‘preferred partner’, to Berlin for the Centre’s eighth General Meeting. The General Meeting provided a valuable opportunity to take stock of the CoE’s past achievements and to look ahead to 2025.

On 20-21 November, the CoE welcomed its members, as well as the European External Action Service (EEAS) as ‘preferred partner’, to Berlin for the Centre’s eighth General Meeting. Ahead of the General Meeting itself, attendees were invited to an evening reception at the German Federal Foreign Office. Introductory remarks were provided by Boris Gehrke, Head of CSDP Department at the German Federal Foreign Office, and CoE Director Volker Jacoby. Wiktor Staniecki, Deputy Head of Division (SecDefPol.1) at the EEAS, then delivered a keynote speech on the need for a more strategic approach to civilian CSDP. With a changing political landscape, and faced with both new and traditional threats, efforts are required to ensure that EU civilian crisis management is fit for use. Mr Staniecki noted, for example, the importance of strengthening civilian-military cooperation, increasing visibility for civilian CSDP and the work of the missions on the ground, and ensuring that the civilian CSDP Compact is being implemented at the national level. Mr Staniecki stressed the important role that the CoE can play in achieving these goals, and thus strengthening EU civilian crisis management.

The next morning, representatives from the CoE’s members and the EEAS reconvened for the Centre’s eighth General Meeting. Director Volker Jacoby and Head of Administration Tess Dobek presented the results of the work of the CoE in 2023, as well as detailing the Centre’s plans for 2025. Following this presentation, the CoE’s members approved the proposed workplan for 2025.

Other matters discussed in the General Meeting included the possibility of establishing an advisory board, a call for increased secondment to the CoE, a potential project at the request of Italy and in collaboration with the EEAS on the integrated approach, and the approval of the request of Luxembourg to become the 24th member of the CoE as of 1 January 2025.

After the General Meeting, a Strategic Outlook session was held to reflect on the current state of affairs within the context of civilian CSDP, take stock of members’ upcoming priorities and potential challenges that may be faced, and discuss how the CoE should evolve to best serve the needs and interests of its members. With the CoE preparing for a change of Director in Spring 2025, the Strategic Outlook session served as an important touchpoint for the Centre and its members to be aligned on the CoE’s vision and ambition for the coming years. Topics of discussion included how to increase the visibility of civilian CSDP amongst internal and external audiences, maximising funding both in the context of the CoE and member states, the need for increased secondment to the CoE, and the possibility of members strengthening the CoE’s capacity through new formats such as short-term exchanges or project-based work.

Looking ahead, the CoE is excited to begin implementing the 2025 workplan and to continue supporting its members to strengthen their national systems, structures, and processes so that they can better contribute to EU civilian crisis management.