Implementation of European Council conclusions in Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) since the Lisbon Treaty: European Council Briefing

Briefing 15-01-2016

Three relatively recent European Councils - in December 2012, December 2013 and June 2015 - have considered security and defence issues, with Heads of State or Government emphasising the need to strengthen defence cooperation in Europe. Progress was made on certain issues, such as cybersecurity and maritime security, but more needs to be done to address new security threats, develop greater capabilities and foster growth in both the defence industry and the defence market. This Briefing assesses the different commitments the European Council has made in respect to the CSDP since the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, considers to which extent they have been fulfilled, and identifies future challenges to implementation.