Review of the EU's missions for peace

On 26 April, at the so-called "jumbo session", foreign affairs ministers and defence ministers took stock of the EU's policy and action in the area of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

Catherine Ashton, High Representative
for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy,
at her visit in Kosovo on
19 February 2010
© European Union, 2010

The aim of this policy is to support stability, maintain peace and restore the rule of law in conflict regions.

Among the EU's CSDP missions, the Council discussed the EULEX Kosovo mission (the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo). Its objective is to assist the Kosovo authorities in the creation of well-functioning government institutions, in particular in the areas of police, judiciary and customs. The mission is to intensify its efforts in the fight against organised crime and corruption and in promoting reforms. In March, an EU House opened in Mitrovica, in the north of Kosovo, with the objective of strengthening the rule of law and promoting good governance and socio-economic development. At the moment, the mission has around 1700 international police officers, judges, prosecutors and customs officials and approximately 1000 local staff.

The EU's monitoring mission in Georgia, EUMM Georgia, is an unarmed, civilian mission. It is tasked with monitoring the stabilisation and normalisation of the situation and building confidence between the parties. It supervises troop withdrawals and respect for human rights, the rule of law and governance. The mission also contributes to reducing tensions by facilitating contacts between parties. One of the ways it does this is by improving the lives and free movement of people on both sides of the Administrative Boundary Line separating the breakaway regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia from Georgia. The mission staff numbers around 330 people.

Under the Lisbon Treaty, the CSDP is meant to provide the Union with an operational capacity drawing on civilian and military assets. The Union may use these assets on missions outside the Union for peace-keeping, conflict prevention and strengthening international security in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

More information:
Press release 
Webcast of press conference 
EULEX Kosovo 
EUMM Georgia