Security in the Eastern Partnership area and the role of the common security and defence policy

The European Parliament has recently adopted a report on security in the Eastern Partnership area (EaP) and the role of the CSDP. This report of the European Parliament condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unprovoked and unjustifiable war of aggression on Ukraine, and its related actions in the non-government-controlled areas of Ukraine’s Donetsk and Luhansk regions, in illegally annexed Crimea and in Belarus. It makes clear that sustainable peace and human security in the EaP region is essential for the EU. It underlines the EU’s unequivocal support to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of EaP countries within their internationally recognised borders.

The report expresses support for closer defence and security coordination and cooperation with some EaP countries, in view of promoting the strategic objectives of human security and sustainable peace across the EaP region and beyond and encourages the application of an integrated approach by realizing the full potential of the CSDP.

The European Parliament strongly supports ongoing CSDP missions in associated EaP countries and demands to strengthen the security dimension of the EU’s Eastern Partnership policy to develop strategic security partnerships with some EaP countries, to enhance foreign and security policy dialogue and cooperation and to develop a more active role for the EU in the de-escalation of on-going tensions, future prevention of conflict, mediation, confidence building measures as well as conflict resolution countering hybrid threats, disinformation and propaganda, assisting and cooperating on civilian defence and supporting comprehensive security sector reform in the EaP countries.

The report considers that further promoting the alignment and gradual convergence of the EU and the EaP countries foreign and security policy, in line with partners’ commitments with the EU is needed. Government calls on the Eastern Partnership countries to align to the EU’s policy of sanctions against Russia for its war of aggression against Ukraine.

We should encourage Member States to show greater political will and solidarity by deploying sufficient numbers of well-trained and qualified personnel to CSDP missions in the associated EaP countries, to ensure that a large number of Member States are represented in missions throughout the region and to encourage greater participation by non-EU countries in these missions.

The EU and its Member States should expand support mechanisms for the further participation of the EaP countries in CSDP civilian and military missions and operations, when necessary, including via study/field trips, workshops, CSDP trainings and courses, extension of the Military Erasmus Programme to EaP officers etc.. That would help to increase partners’ interoperability, develop common procedures and joint actions. Let us cooperate with most EaP partners on cyber security, including intelligence sharing, and assistance in critical infrastructure.

The EaP is part of the EU’s neighbourhood policy and where the EU has a comprehensive approach to security and resilience, specifically designed to bolster relationships with the EaP countries, to help promote peace, stability, resilience, shared prosperity, sustainable development and reforms and human security, strengthen economic cooperation, support cross-sectoral reform and contribute to those countries‘ overall resilience.

Associated EaP countries should be included in individual PESCO projects tailored to the needs of EU CSDP missions and operations.