Perspectives on the Development of the EU Crisis Management System

Abstract

The article reveals the main features of the European Union crisis management system and outlines the endeavors undertaken to improve it further by introducing a more proactive approach through enhancing the response mechanism and expanding the capabilities for prevention, preparedness and resilience. The article highlights the ability of the EU crisis management to meet the challenges of the security environment and respond to different scenarios, including overseas political-military crises having a strong impact on various aspects of common security. Furthermore, the article explores the capabilities of the Union to conduct military and civilian missions and operations within the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and analyzes their specific contribution to international peace and security. The article underlines the importance of self-reliant strategic airlift as a token of strategic autonomy and a provider of flexible mobility options. It goes on to argue that matters of strategic air mobility should be addressed along with the concerns preventing the use of the EU multinational battlegroups so far. Then, the article identifies the Strategic Compass, due to be adopted in 2022, as a platform for a common strategic vision for the Union’s security and defense priorities, a sound basis for consensus on future response options and a facilitator for further integration of the military component of defense into the EU crisis management system. It also maintains that increased responsibilities would impose higher requirements upon the key elements of the crisis management process. The article points to intelligence as an integrated effort supporting CSDP military and civilian missions. Finally, it suggests three main approaches to the development of the European crisis management system and concludes that the main goal should be reinforcing the role of the EU as one of the pillars of international peace and security.