European Security and Defence College

SUMMARY OF:

Council Decision 2013/189/CFSP establishing a European Security and Defence College (ESDC)

WHAT DOES THIS DECISION DO?

• It establishes the European Security and Defence College.
• It describes its structure, its role, its tasks and how it is funded.

KEY POINTS

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) comprises a network of national institutes, colleges, academies and institutions across the European Union (EU) dealing with security and defence policy issues, as well as the EU Institute for Security Studies. It works under the overall responsibility of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. It was first established in July 2005.

ESDC's main objectives are to:

• further enhance the common security and defence culture within common security and defence policy (CSDP);
• promote a better understanding of CSDP as an essential part of the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP);
• support EU partnerships in the field of security and defence, in particular partnerships with those countries participating in CSDP missions;
• provide EU institutions and bodies with knowledgeable personnel able to work efficiently on all CSDP matters;
• provide EU countries' administrations and staff with knowledgeable personnel familiar with EU policies, institutions and procedures in the field of CFSP;
• promote professional relations and contacts among training participants.

The ESDC’s main tasks are to organise and conduct training activities in the area of CSDP. There are 3 types of training:

• the High Level Course;
• the Orientation Courses; and
• courses for specialised audiences or with specific focus.

Other ESDC activities include:

• developing web-based distance learning systems;
• producing training materials;
• supporting exchange programmes between training institutes; and
• managing training in the field of conflict prevention and civilian crisis management.

ESDC’s structure

• 1.

  Steering committee: comprising representatives from EU countries, it is responsible for the overall coordination and direction of the ESDC's activities.

• 2.

  Executive academic board: mainly comprising senior representatives from civilian, diplomatic, police and military institutes. It is responsible for the quality and coherence of the ESDC training activities.

• 3.

  Head of the ESDC is responsible for organising and managing ESDC training activities and for the financial and administrative management of the ESDC.

• 4.

  ESDC secretariat, which is to assist the Head of the ESDC in fulfilling tasks.

ESDC staff consists of staff seconded to the ESDC by EU institutions, the EEAS and EU agencies, as well as national experts seconded by EU countries.

Budget

The ESDC receives an annual contribution from the EU’s budget as well as contributions in kind to ESDC training activities. Some additional funding comes from EU countries and institutes or other donors.

FROM WHEN DOES THE DECISION APPLY?

It applies from 1 April 2013.

BACKGROUND

The European Security and Defence College gives training in the EU’s common security and defence policy in the context of the common foreign and security policy. It develops a common understanding of CSDP and disseminates best practice in this area.

ACT

Council Decision 2013/189/CFSP of 22 April 2013 establishing a European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and repealing Joint Action 2008/550/CFSP (OJ L 112, 24.4.2013, pp. 22-29)

Subsequent amendments to Decision 2013/189/CFSP have been incorporated into the basic text. This consolidated version is of documentary value only.

last update 04.07.2016