EU Political and Security Committee (PSC)

As debates over European strategic autonomy grow louder, the EU Security Committee has taken on greater significance in shaping the bloc’s military policies, crisis response, and defense integration. While NATO remains the primary security guarantor for Europe, the EU’s role in counterterrorism, cybersecurity, and hybrid threat mitigation is expanding. With projects like PESCO (Permanent Structured Cooperation) and the European Defence Fund, the committee plays a key role in developing Europe’s military capabilities beyond NATO’s framework.

History:

• Formation (2000): The PSC was formally established as part of the EU’s efforts to strengthen its foreign and security policy mechanisms.
• Treaty of Lisbon (2009): Enhanced the PSC’s role in coordinating EU civilian and military crisis management operations.
• Recent Developments (2020s-Present): The PSC has increased its focus on hybrid threats, cybersecurity, and EU-NATO cooperation.

Major Characteristics, Initiatives, and Important Facts:

• Crisis Management and Conflict Prevention: Oversees EU-led peacekeeping missions and rapid response operations.
• Defense and Security Coordination: Works with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) to enhance military capabilities.
• EU-NATO Cooperation: Strengthens transatlantic security ties and improves military interoperability.
• Cyber and Hybrid Threats: Addresses emerging security challenges, including cyber warfare and foreign disinformation campaigns.
• Strategic Autonomy: Supports the EU’s long-term goal of reducing dependence on external security providers.

Links:

• EU Political and Security Committee
• Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
• EU-NATO Cooperation