New headquarters for civilian security and defense missions.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) has unveiled the new Civilian Operations Headquarters for all EU civilian crisis management missions deployed under the umbrella of the Common Security and Defence Policy.

Following a decision by the High Representative Kaja Kallas, the new Civilian Operations Headquarters (CivOpsHQ) aims to enhance the impact of the 13 EU civilian security and rule of law missions currently deployed on three continents.

Under the command of the Civilian Operation Commander, the new CivOpsHQ will provide a more unified and robust command and control capability for all civilian CSDP missions to meet the demands of a deteriorating global security environment. It will offer enhanced guidance, expertise, and technical support to missions across the broad range of civilian mission activities, including recruitment and duty of care. The CivOpsHQ will establish common standards and systems for all civilian missions to ensure consistency and coherence of action.

The Headquarters, based in Brussels, will be staffed with some 120 experts, coming from the Member States and the EU institutions.

Background

EU Civilian crisis management missions are an EU foreign policy projection tool, providing the EU with a unique operational capability in the EU neighbourhood and beyond. Each mission has a discrete mandate aimed at promoting stability and security and building resilience in fragile environments. These missions are deployed at the invitation of the Host State or under a UN mandate. The Member States of the European Union agree on the mandate of each CSDP mission. The mandates are reviewed on a regular basis by the Member States to ensure that they continue to meet EU foreign policy objectives and the needs of the Host State.

More information The Diplomatic Service of the European Union.