The CoE, in close collaboration with the European External Action Service (SecDefPol.1), has taken the lead in developing an informal cluster system to support EU Member States’ delivery of commitments under the Civilian CSDP Compact. On 26-27 September, the CoE will welcome representatives from EU Member States and the European External Action Service (EEAS) to a Cluster Workshop in Berlin, where the proposed Clusters will be presented and Member States will be offered the opportunity to share their ideas, step forward as co-chairs, identify potential work topics, and agree concrete next steps.

The Civilian CSDP Compact, adopted in May 2023, represented a renewed commitment from all 27 EU Member States to strengthening civilian CSDP in the face of increasing and evolving security threats. In order to realise the commitments set out in the Compact, each Member State has developed or is in the process of developing a National Implementation Plan (NIP), outlining how they intend to improve systems, structures, and processes at the national level. Despite different national contexts, many Member States are likely to encounter similar pressures and challenges in their efforts to strengthen civilian capabilities and deliver on the Compact. As such, there is value in Member States coming together to support one another through discussing ideas, sharing best practices, and pooling knowledge and resources.

The creation of an informal cluster system, referenced in the Compact and at the 2024 Annual Conference on Civilian Capabilities, was therefore proposed to facilitate this discussion and exchange between Member States. Given the CoE’s expertise as a facilitator of informal exchange between Member States on the topic of civilian crisis management, the Centre has taken the lead in developing Informal NIP Clusters, in close cooperation with the EEAS.

In line with discussions at the 2024 Annual Conference on Civilian Capabilities, four thematic Clusters have been proposed to be established:

1. National Governance

2. Human Resources Management

3. Training

4. Strategic Communication

The Clusters are intended to function as working groups of EU Member States. They will provide a forum for structured and targeted discussions, supporting Member States in translating their National Implementation Plans (NIPs) into tangible actions, and thus delivering on the commitments outlined in the Civilian CSDP Compact.

Ownership of the Clusters belongs to Member States, and as such, it is vital that they are actively involved in the design process. To ensure this is the case, the CoE is hosting a Cluster Workshop for representatives from Member States and the European External Action Service. Taking place on 26-27 September in Berlin, the event will provide an opportunity for the CoE to present the proposed Clusters and outline its support to Member States. More importantly, the workshop will serve as a space for collaboration and exchange - giving Member States the chance to share their needs, ideas, and priorities for the Informal NIP Clusters. It is hoped that the two-day event will ultimately lead to decisions on which Clusters are to be established, which Member States will co-chair the Clusters, the topics to be covered, and concrete next steps in developing Cluster workplans.

The CoE is looking forward to engaging in these important discussions and driving forward the development of the Informal NIP Clusters in a way that places Member States at the steering wheel. A summary of the key highlights and outcomes of the workshop, and reflection on next steps, will be shared following the event.

For more information on the Informal NIP Clusters and the upcoming Cluster Workshop, please contact Niamh Punton, Junior Policy Officer for Public Relations (niamh.punton@coe-civ.eu).