Spotlight on EU missions at first ZIF SIPRI Munich Security Conference Side-Event

A premiere: ZIF had its first ever side event on “Europe’s New Mission(s): Updating EU Crisis Management” at the Munich Security Conference together with our partner SIPRI. After inputs from PSC Chair Delphine Pronk, Managing Director Common Security and Defence Policy, Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß, and Johan Frisell, the Head of the Department for European Security Policy at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs, participants engaged in a frank and constructive discussion on the future of CSDP. Together with Hannah Neumann (MEP), Nicole König (MSC), Comfort Ero (ICG), Alyssa Jobsson (ICG) we debated how the EU could adjust its missions to internal and external challenges. The two new missions, EUMA Armenia and the military partnership mission in Niger (EUMPM), were mentioned as likely examples for the potential of this instrument: EUMA as a mission closely tied to a political process, and EUMPM as a preventive measure in a country with no other peace operation present. SIPRI and ZIF are already looking into follow-up for this event.

Besides, our Executive Director Astrid Irrgang took the chance for bilaterals and exchange with old and new partners at the Munich Security Conference. Especially in times of Zeitenwende, it is our role to emphasize the value of and need for civilian crisis management, civilian experts and integrated approaches.