Table of Contents

The course consists of six self-contained lessons that cover the following topics:

• The St. Malo Declaration and the Birth of ESDP
• The Institutional Set-Up of ESDP
• Civilian and Military Capabilities for ESDP
• EU-NATO Relations
• EU-led Operations Within the Framework of ESDP
• ESDP and Future Challenges

Read the comprehensive descriptions of the lessons below.

The St. Malo Declaration and the Birth of ESDP

This lesson provides an overview of the historical and geopolitical context within which the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) was launched. It discusses NATO's changing role in the post-Cold War era, developments within the European Union (EU), such as the creation of the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), and in particular the British-French St. Malo Declaration, which proved to be the diplomatic turning point in the creation of ESDP.

The Institutional Set-Up of ESDP

This learning object provides an overview of those European Union (EU) institutions concerned with developing and implementing European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). It addresses three issues: First, it explains why ESDP institutions are important and how they translate policy into action. Second, it examines the functions of these institutions and their interaction within the EU. Third, it illustrates how ESDP procedures work in practice. This is done with reference to the EU's "Operation Artemis", conducted in the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2003.

Civilian and Military Capabilities for ESDP

This lesson discusses the civilian and military capabilities that the European Union (EU) intends to develop; the capabilities that EU member states are currently lacking and the reasons for this deficit; and the ways in which the EU is trying to remedy the shortfalls. This lesson also provides an overview of the current state of capabilities development and of the processes and initiatives that the EU is undertaking to meet its goals.

EU-NATO Relations

This lesson deals with the complex relationship between the European Union (EU) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). It discusses initiatives within NATO to create a European Security and Defence Identity (ESDI), and cooperation between the EU and NATO under the Berlin-Plus Arrangements. It also presents various ways in which the creation of a common European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) might affect NATO and the transatlantic link.

EU-Led Operations Within the Framework of ESDP

This lesson gives an overview of the peace support operations and police missions carried out by the European Union (EU) within the framework of European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). It describes all EU-led peace support operations carried out thus far under ESDP and discusses the main rationale behind the EU's operations.

ESDP and Future Challenges

This learning object discusses the future challenges with regard to implementing European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). It examines what the European Union (EU) perceives as the key threats to its security, and it investigates the EU’s transformation from a civilian power to a strategic actor and the open questions about the future extent of ESDP. A range of related issues and their potential impact on the future development of ESDP are also considered.

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