Post-Lisbon Developments in EU Crisis Management: The Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) Arrangements

Abstract

This chapter describes the new developments taking place in European Union (EU) crisis management, in particular post-Lisbon Treaty arrangements related to the EU response to major crises. The implementation of the Solidarity Clause and adoption of the Integrated Political Crisis Response (IPCR) arrangements indicates the Union’s determination to systematize its decision-making procedures in response to crisis situations. This chapter explains first the main impediments for the use of the IPCR predecessor – Emergency and Crisis Coordination Arrangements (CCA) and the long consultation process leading to the adoption of the IPCR. Subsequently, the chapter explains how the new institutional set-up for crisis response at the high political level works and how the EU Member States and institutions interact in the event of major crises. The analysis focuses on the legal framework of decision-making at the EU level and on the operational aspects aimed at strengthening the EU’s capacity to collect and analyse real time information necessary for strategic decision-making. First activation of the IPCR is discussed in the context of the EU response to the refugee and migration crisis.