European Security and Defence College

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising the ‘Cyber Diplomacy Advanced’ course together with the French Institute for Advanced Studies in National Defence Studies (IHEDN) and the National Defence Institute (IDN) of Portugal.

The course was successfully held in Brussels between 23 and 25 January 2024, with active participation and excellent outcomes. The aim of the course was to provide a comprehensive view of the Cyber Diplomacy tools, practices, and challenges and also identifying the broader dynamics of international cyber-policy relevant for the EU. The course culminated in a case study exercise where participants were invited to respond to a realistic scenario and develop different courses of diplomatic actions.

The 36 course participants formed a diverse and gender-balanced audience, while most of them were specialists coming from MFAs, MS Permanent Representations as well as EU bodies and institutions working within the Cyber Diplomacy domain.

We would like to thank all the keynote speakers for their excellent contributions and input, and for the very high quality of their speeches and lectures. The content of the presentations as well as the relevant topics on Cyber Diplomacy triggered numerous rewarding discussions between the participants and the experts.

Finally, we would like to thank all participants for their confidence in the ESDC, and we will do our utmost to continue providing high-quality training.

On the 14th and 15th of November 2023, in the beautiful frame of the conference hall of the Madou tower, the European Security and Defence College’s (ESDC) Annual Training and Education Conference (ATEC) took place. The event reached its end after two days of exceptional gathering of experts, professionals, and enthusiasts in the field of CSDP.

The focus of this year addressed emerging and crosscutting issues within the CSDP landscape and provided a crucial space for comprehensive exchanges on transformative changes, as well as a seamless flow of knowledge around the advancement of the new Civilian CSDP Compact aimed to reshape the CSDP training architecture.

The conference, organised in close cooperation with the EEAS Directorate for Peace, Partnerships and Crisis Management (PCM), the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) and the European Union Military Staff (EUMS), was a unique opportunity to analyse crosscutting training requirements and lessons identified from CSDP missions and operations. The title ‘Adapting to the new challenges for CSDP training’ envisaged a space where to discuss recent CSDP developments and emerging policies, with a view to reflect these in training opportunities and explore civilian and military synergies through networking.

ATEC is indeed an invaluable forum, which enables participants to expand their networks at EU level and with institutes in different Member States, by providing a great opportunity to interact with the relevant EU institutions and training institutes from all over Europe.
The target group included military, police, diplomatic and civilian training institutes in Member States, think tanks, universities, EU institutions and agencies working on topics related to peace operations and crisis management, and was concurrently open to third countries and international organisations.

Among the main remarks that featured this annual conference, the ESDC had the honour to host high-level keynote speakers. As such, MEP Costas Mavrides, member of the subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) opened the first session with an exceptional welcoming speech. Moreover, the opening session featured Mr Holger Osterrieder, Head of the ESDC, Major General Gabor Horvath, Deputy Head of the EUMS, Mr Cosmin Dobran, Director of PCM at EEAS, and Mr Victor Tarella, Deputy Head of Division for Coordination and Horizontal Affairs at CPCC.

The second panel aimed to provide an overview on the CSDP Training Architecture on civilian and military side, according to the findings of the CART 2023, to discuss the challenges arisen from it, as well as to analyse the function of the EU Policy on Training of CSDP and actions in view of the 2024 revision. The dialogue on Coordination of Training/TRA Process and Quality Assurance of CSDP Training was moderated by Ms Jutta Weinmann (PCM.1) and Mr Kuisma Kinnunen (PCM.1) and activated by Mr Traian Bradu (EUMS), Mr Philipp Bovensiepen (SECDEFPOL) and Mr Isak Enstrom (ESDC).

This year ATEC had a specific Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) session, which introduced it as a concept and why it is considered as an emerging hybrid threat. It was defined how much of risk is FIMI for future European elections and public debates, since it results to be especially dangerous when used to undermine our democracy and the core values which the EU is built upon. To counter that, reacting every time to debunk FIMI is plainly not enough and specific, and practical measures and training are required in order to avert and mitigate the risks of foreign manipulation in the long term. To guide these trainings, robust strategies at the EU level need to be well established and communicated to Member States. Mr Evangelos Englezakis (ESDC) moderated the debate on the ensuing suggestions to practically measure and counter such a risk, along with Ms Evgenia Karatari (EEAS/Situation Room), and Ms Nadia Kovalcikova (EUISS).

The following session featured hybrid threats and challenges in order to analyse how the speed, scale and intensity of hybrid threats have increased in the last years. Mr Teemu Tammiko (EEAS, MD-PSD.SECDEFPOL) and Prof Bernard Siman (Egmont Institute) tackled the theme of the EU’s state of preparedness to prevent, counter and respond to hybrid attacks, whether by state or non-state actor, and the possible impact of hybrid threats to CSDP missions and operations.

Furthermore, the second day of the conference hosted a session on energy policy on security and defence with a view to provide an overview of the EU policy approach and the European Defence Agency’s (EDA) role in supporting the Member States’ Ministries of Defence’s transition to green, resilience and efficient energy models. Strategies and practices enhancing energy resilience and climate change adaptation while preserving armed forces’ operational effectiveness were thoroughly discussed by Dr Constantinos Hadjisavvas (EDA) and Ms Maja Kuzel (EDA).
The final panel on the adoption to emerging challenges to CSDP training closed the 2023 CSDP ATEC conference by introducing the new challenges raising up in the constantly changing geopolitical environment and highlighting how these might affect effective training on CSDP.

Prof Dr Foteini Asderaki (University of Pireaus), Dr Fergal O’Regan (Deputy Head of ESDC) and Nikolaos Ntarzanos (PhD Fellow of the ESDC Doctoral School) highlighted the need for the EU to be able to protect its citizens and contribute to international peace and security, since the current rapidly changing international environment and the emergence of new global powers. Training, education, and research activities are believed to address the transformation of the EU into a stronger geopolitical actor capable of responding to crises and global changes, including an unstable and even hostile international environment.
In this regard, the ESDC starks itself to create a network of various educational institutions, further enhancing the common European security and defence identity and culture within the EU and beyond. The ESDC puts forward itself as a knowledge and training hub for CSDP training in cooperation with its network institutions, including EU bodies.

The answer of this year’s ATEC aims at innovative and tailor-made ways of learning and new modes of provisions as a way to address the various target groups involved in the CSDP landscape (military, civilians, experts, national administration).
The ESDC is proud to have organised this event (a special shout-out here to our training managers Mr Evangelos Englezakis, Mr Christoforos Christoforou and Ms Maria Grazia Romano) and would like to thank all participants and speakers! We are already looking forward to seeing you at ATEC 2024!

We are thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the second module of the 19th Common Security and Defence Policy High-Level Course hosted by the “Centro Superior de Estudios de la Defensa Nacional” (CESEDEN) Centro Superior de Estudios de la Defensa Nacional in Madrid from 20 to 24 November.
This module was all about exploring the crucial capabilities that the European Union needs to have at its fingertips to effectively equip and support its missions and operations.

Force generation and capability development took centre stage throughout the week, aligning seamlessly with the EU's overarching priorities outlined in the Civilian Compact and the Strategic Compass European External Action Service - EEAS.

Why is this important? The EU is dedicated to enhancing its readiness and responsiveness in the face of diverse challenges and crises. Force generation remains pivotal, ensuring that the EU is equipped to contribute meaningfully to international peace and security.

Key Takeaways: The discussions during this module were dynamic, addressing the identification of essential capabilities, strategies for force generation, and the coordination required for optimal integration of resources. The diverse perspectives shared by professionals and experts in the field enriched the learning experience for all.

Who Participated? Professionals and experts from various backgrounds came together to share insights, best practices, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue shaping the EU's security and defence landscape.

Stay Tuned! The 19th CSDP High-Level Course continues to be a beacon of collaboration and knowledge sharing. Follow us for more updates on future modules and exciting developments in the realm of the common security and defence policy.

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) recently had the privilege of collaborating with the University of Public Service, Budapest for a significant training activity.
The course focused on the EU's Cybersecurity Strategy and its relationship with the Common Foreign Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy. Participants gained insights into current cybersecurity challenges and had the opportunity to apply their IT defense arrangements. Networking and discussions enriched the experience, and we extend our thanks to the University, course directors, and participants for their valuable contributions. Together, we strengthen cybersecurity knowledge and collaboration.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

Course on cybersecurity basics for non-technical experts, 13-15 June 2023, Budapest, Hungary It was a great honour for the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) to hold this important training activity together with the University of Public Service, Budapest. The course was opened by the course director,

In times of global uncertainty, strong, tailored partnerships inside and outside the EU are the only path towards a safer and more peaceful world. Ms Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß, Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence at the EEAS addressed the participants at the annual conference of the European Association of Peace Operations Training Centres, encouraging them to build strong and lasting cross-sectoral partnerships in order to learn together, create synergies and leverage complementary strengths in capacity-building for peace.
The annual Conference brings together experts from military, police, diplomatic and civilian training institutions, think tanks and universities to enhance training capacity and cooperation in the fields of peace, security and defence.

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The 57th Implementation Group Meeting of the European Initiative for the Exchange of Young Officers inspired by Erasmus was a resounding success. The meeting, which took place on March 1st and 2nd, 2023 at the Rakovski National Defence College in Sofia, saw a record-breaking 95 participants from 18 EU countries and 44 higher military educational institutions come together to discuss ways of increasing interoperability and harmonising EU Basic Officer academic and vocational education.

The group is committed to delivering high-quality education to future officers, and during the meeting, the participants unanimously agreed to the establishment of a new Line of Development 18. This new line will focus on the language training of teaching staff, which is expected to significantly enhance the quality of the education delivered to future officers.

We extend our sincere thanks to the staff of the Rakovski National Defence College for the exceptional organization of the meeting, and to all the participants for their active engagement and commitment to the Military Erasmus Initiative. The European Security and Defence College is fully committed to supporting this initiative and working with member states and military institutions to promote European values and create a European cultural awareness in the area of security and defence.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

European Initiative for the Exchange of Young Officers inspired by Erasmus 57th Implementation Group Meeting, Sofia, 1-2 March 2023 The 57th Implementation Group Meeting of the European Initiative for the Exchange of Young Officers inspired by Erasmus took place at the Rakovski National Defence College in Sofia on 1 and 2 March 2023. The

📢Call for internships

Are you a Bachelor or Master student looking for an opportunity to work in the EU security and defence policy field? Apply for our internship programme at the European Security and Defence College! As an intern, you will help run ESDC training activities, provide logistical and administrative support at meetings and events, and act as a point of contact for questions and enquiries from the national institutes' contact points. This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in the field of the Common Security and Defence Policy. Apply now and take your first step towards a career in this exciting field!

Then, we are looking forward to hearing from you. 🤝
📩 Full details ⬇️
📆 Apply by 22 February 2023

Job Opportunities at ESDC As set out in Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/1515 of 19 October 2020, the mission of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) is to provide training and education in the field of the Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in the wider context of the Common Foreign and Security Pol...

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising the Cyber Diplomacy Advanced course, together with the National Defence Institute (IDN) of Portugal and the Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN) of France.

The course was held in the Brussels, Belgium from 17 to 19 January 2023. It aims to provide the participants with the latest developments in the cyber external relations sphere and the knowledge to understand, implement and actively identify capacity building measures to increase resilience and stability. It also aims to teach participants the Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox measures and approaches in dealing with cyber incidents.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

Cyber Diplomacy Advanced course - IHEDN, Brussels, 17-19 January 2023 The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising the Cyber Diplomacy Advanced course, together with the National Defence Institute (IDN) of Portugal and the Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN)

Participants from EU Member States and third states came together in Brussels for the fully residential cyber course 'Cybersecurity and International Law' from 23-25 January 2023. With over 30 participants from different fields and backgrounds, the course offered an opportunity to exchange views and share best practices on cyber-related topics while improving knowledge, skills, and competencies. European Security and Defence College (ESDC) -co-organised for the first time with the Łódź Cyber Hub, this pilot course that could potentially become a standard part of ESDC's curricula. Thanks to the Lodz Cyber Hub and all the participants for their hard work and dedication!

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

Cybersecurity and International Law, Brussels, 23-25 January 2023 Participants from EU Member States and from third states came together in Brussels for the ESDC’s fully residential cyber course ‘Cybersecurity and International Law’, from 23 to 25 of January 2023. More than 30 participants,

The five-day course ‘Mediation, Negotiation and Dialogue Skills for CDSP’ started on 7 November and ended on the 11 November 2022. It was co-organised by the Centre of Higher Defence Studies and the Ecole Universitaire Internationale, under the aegis of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC). It was held in Rome in the premises of the CASD.

The course consisted of presentations delivered by experts from all over Europe as well as group sessions and exercises that were particularly appreciated by course members. These sessions allowed participants to explore the mediation, negotiation and dialogue skills that are part and parcel of the professional and personal lives of people working in the field of CSDP.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

Course on Mediation, Negotiation and Dialogue Skills for CDSP,Rome, 07-11 November 2022 The five-day course ‘Mediation, Negotiation and Dialogue Skills for CDSP’ started on 7 November and ended on the 11 November 2022. It was co-organised by the Centre of Higher Defence Studies and the Ecole Universitaire

It is a great honour for the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) that co-organized for the first time this important activity from 7 to 9 November 2022 with the Irish Defence Forces.

Cybersecurity poses a continual threat to EU citizens, organizations and states. A robust data governance program is required to protect our personal data and mitigate these threats.

This course presents the mechanism for effective Data Governance and outlines the seven critical factors for effective Strategy Ex*****on: strategy, shared values, structure, systems, style, staff and skills.



📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details👇

Course on Data Governance, 7-9 November 2022, Brussels It is a great honour for the European Security and Defence College that co-organized for the first time this important activity from 7 to 9 November 2022 with the Irish Defence Forces. Cybersecurity poses a

The 3-day course, “Pentester Tools – Basic Course” on Cyber Range took place in Warsaw. This is a specialized course at strategic-tactical-technical levels, linked with the strategic objectives of Pillar 2 of the EU's Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade.
It is a great honour for the European Security and Defence College that co-organized this important activity with the Cyber Security Training Centre of Excellence CST CoE (Eksperckie Centrum Szkolenia Cyberbezpieczeństwa), Warsaw, Poland.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

Pentester Tools – Basic Course, Warsaw, 18-20 October 2022 The 3-day course, “Pentester Tools – Basic Course” on Cyber Range took place in Warsaw. This is a specialized course at strategic-tactical-technical levels, linked with the strategic objectives of Pillar 2 of the EU's Cybersecurity

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising the Sectoral Qualifications Framework for the Military Officer Profession (SQF-MILOF) Familiarisation Course, together with the Henri Coandă Air Force Academy (AFAHC).
The course was held in Brașov, Romania, from 20 to 22 September 2022, with active participation and excellent outcomes. The aim of the course was to familiarise competent personnel from the EU Member States and Institutions with the SQF-MILOF Package by discussing the implementation roadmaps at national level and providing basic skills required to bring selected national military qualifications (NMQ) into line with the SQF-MILOF and the Core Curriculum for Military Officers (MILOF-CORE).

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

SQF-MILOF Familiarisation Course, Romania, 20-22 September 2022 The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising the Sectoral Qualifications Framework for the Military Officer Profession (SQF-MILOF) Familiarisation Course, together with the Henri Coandă Air Force Academy (AFAHC). Figure 1

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising the course on Disaster Relief in CSDP Context, together with the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence, the Diplomatic Institute to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria and the Romanian National College of Home Affairs.
The course was held in Sofia, Bulgaria, from 19 to 22 July 2022, with active participation and excellent outcomes. The aim of the course was to harness shared perspectives and a shared vision of disaster relief as part of the whole disaster management chain, including the development of critical capabilities and situational awareness in relation to tackling emergency situations.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

Disaster Relief in CSDP Context Course, Sofia, Bulgaria 19-22 July 2022 The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising the course on Disaster Relief in CSDP Context, together with the Crisis Management and Disaster Response Centre of Excellence, the Diplomatic Institute to

The Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations and the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) are inviting submissions for the 8th edition of the Global Strategy PhD Prize.
Eligible are all doctoral dissertations drafted in one of the working languages of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (English and French), which address a policy-relevant topic related to the foreign, security and defence policy of the EU that falls within the remit of the EU Global Strategy (including the Strategic Compass and the Global Gateway), and which have been successfully defended between 1 July 2021 and 30 September 2022.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

The 2022 Global Strategy PhD Prize Call for Submissions – Deadline 1st October The Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations and the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) are inviting submissions for the 8th edition of the Global Strategy PhD Prize. Eligible are all doctoral dissertations drafted

Collaboration between the Austrian National Defence Academy and the European Security and Defence College yielded successful results this week, with Module 3 of the 11th Advanced Course for Political Advisors in EU missions and operations, held in Vienna from 4 to 8 July. The first two modules of the course took place in Brussels in April and in Geneva at the end of May.

The course aims to give participants an understanding of the challenges political advisors working in EU missions and operations are likely to face and to enhance their skills through the exchange of views and perspectives.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

11th Advanced Course for Political Advisors in EU Missions and Operations, Module 3, Vienna 4-8 July 2022 Collaboration between the Austrian National Defence Academy and the European Security and Defence College yielded successful results this week, with Module 3 of the 11th Advanced Course for Political Advisors in EU missions and operations,

Together with EU Military Staff, the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising a course on CSDP Capability Planning and Development.

The course was held in Brussels from 20 to 24 June 2022 and was a rounding success, with participants playing an active role and contributing to some excellent outcomes. The aim of the course was to enhance a common understanding of EU civilian and military capability planning and development processes, as well as the role of EU Member States and EU institutions and agencies in this context.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

CSDP Capability Planning and Development Course,20-24 June 2022, Brussels Together with EU Military Staff, the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising a course on CSDP Capability Planning and Development. The course was held in Brussels from 20 to 24

Last Thursday marked the end of the 5th Edition of the EU-ASEAN Security and Defence Policy Seminar, held in Brussels on 28-30 June 2022.
The European Security and Defence College organised the seminar in collaboration with the EU Delegation to ASEAN and with the support of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the EU project ‘Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia (ESIWA)’.

This was the first such in-person activity organised since the COVID-19 pandemic, and it brought together more than 60 security and defence officials and experts from the EU and ASEAN. The event was an excellent platform for exchanging experiences and sharing ideas on tackling common regional and global security challenges.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

5th Edition of the EU-ASEAN Security and Defence Policy Seminar, Brussels, 28-30 June 2022 Last Thursday marked the end of the 5th Edition of the EU-ASEAN Security and Defence Policy Seminar, held in Brussels on 28-30 June 2022. The European Security and Defence College organised the seminar in collaboration

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising together with the European Citizens Association pilot version of the course ‘The European Union for Secondary Schools’.

The course was successfully held in Brussels from 20 to 23 June 2022, with active participation and excellent outcomes. The aim of the course was to support our military secondary school teachers and military instructors and familiarise them with the European Union and its history, strategies and values. The course focused on knowledge and skills but also highlighted the attitudes that we expect our experienced trainers and teachers to take away with them in order to continue promoting EU values and creating an even stronger common security and defence culture.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

‘The European Union for Secondary Schools’ Pilot Course, Brussels, 20-23 June 2022 The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising together with the European Citizens Association a pilot version of the course ‘The European Union for Secondary Schools’. The course was successfully

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising the EU Facing “Hybrid Threats” Challenges course together with the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES).

The course was successfully held, in Brussels, on 9 and 10 June 2022, with active participation and excellent outcomes. The aim of the course was to prepare military officers and civil servants from EU Institutions and relevant Agencies and from Member States to effectively take positions on security policies, strategies and missions/operations. The course dealt with diplomatic, institutional, legal and operational issues related to hybrid threats and security issues at strategic level, enabling participants to form a broad overview of hybrid threat challenges.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

EU Facing “Hybrid Threats” Challenges, 9-10 June 2022, Brussels The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising the EU Facing “Hybrid Threats” Challenges course together with the Austrian Institute for European and Security Policy (AIES). The course was successfully held,

On the 27th of May, the 2022 Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Orientation Course that took place in Larnaca - Cyprus, came to an end. The course was organised by the Cyprus Security and Defence Academy and the Austrian National Defence Academy, under the aegis of the European Security and Defence College. This edition of the Orientation Course focused on the MENA region and addressed issues facing that area of the world.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

CSDP Orientation Course, 23-27 May 2022, Larnaca, Cyprus On the 27th of May, the 2022 Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Orientation Course that took place in Larnaca, Cyprus, came to an end. The course was organised by the Cyprus Security and Defence

The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising, together with the French Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN), the "Challenges of Space for the EU and CSDP" course.

The course was successfully held in Paris between 1 and 3 March 2022 with active participation and excellent outcomes. The aim of the course was to raise awareness of the importance of space activities in the CSDP framework. It enabled participants to form a broad overview of international space policies.

📌ℹ️See our article on the website for more details. 👇

Challenges of Space for the EU and CSDP, 1-3 March 2022, IHEDN The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) had the honour of co-organising, together with the French Institute for Higher National Defence Studies (IHEDN), the "Challenges of Space for the EU and CSDP" course. The