18 May 2017

New Release: Handbook on CSDP

The new HANDBOOK ON CSDP was released on 18 May 2017. The third edition was presented in the Foreign Affairs Council on Defence by the ministers of Austria and Cyprus. The High Representative, Ms Federica Mogherini, welcomed the new handbook and concluded: 'This handbook gives an excellent overview of our CSDP. Recognised experts from Europe provided their expertise to contribute to this new edition, which was published by Austria and Cyprus.'

The handbook was firstly published in 2010, straight after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty. The new edition covers all new developments, from the EU Global Strategy to the changes in the structures, from the most recently established missions and operations to the emerging new security challenges.

Nine chapters and 35 articles cover the full spectrum of our Common Security and Defence Policy. The handbook is designed for ‘students’ of the European Security and Defence College. 36 authors, half of them coming from the EU institutions, the other half from academia, described in an open and frank manner the current challenges and possible ways forward.

With regard to the European Security and Defence College, the Cypriot Minister of Defence said: ‘The College is our tool for establishing a common European security culture. It is our tool for harmonising, standardising and certifying our training efforts. It is our tool for making CSDP work efficiently.’

The Austrian Minister of Defence concluded, before handing one copy to the High Representative: ‘This handbook series is an exemplary means of transferring knowledge, sharing best practices and stimulating discussions on CSDP-related subjects.’

Background: Since 2010, the ESDC published handbooks on CSDP- and CSDP- related topics. So far, four handbooks have been produced: (1) HANDBOOK ON CSDP, first edition 2010; (2) HANDBOOK FOR DECISION MAKERS, first edition 2014; (3) HANDBOOK ON MISSIONS AND OPERATIONS, first edition 2015 and (4) MIGRATION – HOW CSDP CAN SUPPORT, first edition 2016. The present handbook is the third edition of the HANDBOOK ON CSDP.