The European External Action Service (EEAS) proposes, in a paper to the Political and Security Committee (PSC) dated 15 October, to strengthen dialogue with non-Member States participating in EU CSDP missions and operations.
In June 2020, the EU Council invited the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to present concrete recommendations for a more strategic approach to the EU’s security and defence partnerships with third countries by the end of the year.
Since then, the United Kingdom has confirmed that it will leave EU missions and operations by 31 December (see EUROPE 12583/37).
Thus, in the document entitled ‘Enhanced modalities for participation of third States in CSDP missions and operations’, obtained by EUROPE, the EEAS regrets that there is no “regular dialogue” with participating non-Member States on the conduct and review of CSDP missions and operations.
The diplomatic service therefore proposes inviting more third States participating in the operation or mission to submit semi-annual reports and strategic reviews on the operation or mission.
Once a year, an informal session with all participating third States could be held at ministerial level on relevant CSDP missions and operations, the service adds.
The EEAS also highlights the creation of a “Partners’ Consultative Mechanism”, which would allow third States and international organisations to be informed at an early stage of the possible use by the EU of its CSDP instruments.
Following a referral under this mechanism and subject to the initial agreement of the Political and Security Committee, a third State could introduce a “declaration of interest” showing its willingness in principle to make a significant contribution to a mission or operation.
On the other hand, the PSC could propose “potential contributing partners”. “The necessary precondition for a third State to obtain this status could be that it has a framework agreement for participation or a participation agreement in force with the EU, as well as a framework for the exchange of classified information”, says the EEAS, which wants more flexibility in the use of the model framework agreement for participation. These potential contributors and participating third States could also take part in the Force Generation Conference.
The EEAS also wishes to strengthen the sharing of experience with the participating third State(s). (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)