Information in EU Security and Defence

Abstract

The European Union (EU) has launched more than two dozen crisis management operations, spread over three continents, since 2003.¹ It has sent uniformed personnel and monitors to conflict regions in the Western Balkans, sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. It implements peace agreements, supports security-sector reform, builds up local capabilities, carries out executive policing, and even contributes to a ‘safe and secure environment’. The EU oftentimes carries out its mandate in risky circumstances. For the purpose of crisis management in the context of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), good quality information is thus an absolute requirement. Good quality information is required to inform advance and crisis response planning. It is needed during the conduct of the operations as well.