CSDP MISSIONS AND OPERATIONS AS INSTRUMENTS OF EU CRISIS MANAGEMENT - THEIR ESSENCE, ROLE AND DETERMINANTS

Kamil ZAJĄCZKOWSKI

doi:10.24193/ojmne.2020.34.01

Abstract

The aim of this article is to highlight the essence, the meaning and the role of EU civilian missions and military operations conducted under the umbrella of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The first two parts constitute an introduction which presents the institutional framework, scope and mandate of EU missions/operations as well as their nature. The subsequent parts constitute an attempt to answer the question of what distinguishes EU missions/operations and what their specificity is. In this context, the CSDP crisis management model is presented along with the significance of operations in building the EU's international identity and in strengthening the political dimension of European integration, especially in relation to security and defence policy. The main weaknesses and shortcomings of CSDP missions/operations have also been characterized. Thusly, eleven such weaknesses have been identified which, to a large extent, determine the shape, scope and nature of CSDP missions and operations carried out by the European Union

Highlights

Introduction and methodological aspects – the assumptions, subject, objective, questions, and research methods Military operations and civilian missions under the European Security and Defence Policy and, subsequently, the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) have been organised since 20031 and institutional and decision-making mechanisms have been established for such missions and operations
EU missions and operations are a manifestation of the political sphere of European integration development as well as an expression of efforts to strengthen this component in the EU, and, in particular, the facets related to security and defence policy
Missions and operations, what distinguishes CSDP missions/operations, what is their specificity, what are the characteristics of the crisis management model under the CSDP and what are its features, what is the role of the EU as an actor in crisis management and conflict prevention in international relations, to what extent are the operational activities of the CSDP compatible with other EU

Summary

Introduction

Introduction and methodological aspects – the assumptions, subject, objective, questions, and research methods Military operations and civilian missions under the European Security and Defence Policy and, subsequently, the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) have been organised since 20031 and institutional and decision-making mechanisms have been established for such missions and operations. With the operational criterion in mind, EU missions and operations are one of the EU's crisis management instruments and, in a broader perspective, are part of the EU's comprehensive approach executed in its relations with the outer world They are somewhat a reflection of the state of European integration in the political dimension. The research topic is intended to highlight the specificity and importance of CSDP missions and operations in the sphere of EU international activities This analysis will allow the drawing of conclusions with regards to the determinants, premises as well as potential challenges related to the execution of CSDP missions and operations.

Objectives

Findings

Conclusion