EU to move forward on common security and defence

The European Council yesterday approved conclusions affirming its determination to move forward on implementing the EU’s security and defence agenda, enabling the EU to take more responsibility for its own security.

In line with its Strategic Agenda 2019-2024, the Council calls for the EU to pursue a more strategic course of action and to increase its capacity to act autonomously.

Against this background, an ambitious and actionable Strategic Compass will enhance and guide the implementation of the level of ambition on security and defence. The Council therefore calls on the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy to present a first draft of the Strategic Compass for discussion at the Council meeting in November 2021.

The Council calls for further work to enhance the EU’s capacity to undertake Common Security and Defence Policy missions and operations across the whole spectrum of different crisis management tasks.

The need to further strengthen the EU’s resilience and ability to counter hybrid threats is also strongly emphasised.

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Press release

Council conclusions

Towards a Strategic Compass (EEAS website)

EU cooperation on security and defence