Minister Richmond addresses EU Civilian Common Security and Defence Policy Forum as Ireland assumes EU Presidency

The Minister of State for International Development and Diaspora, Neale Richmond TD, today (2 July) delivered the opening address to the Civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) Summer Forum in Dublin. The Forum is one of the first events to take place in Dublin during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. 

Co-hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the European Centre of

Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management, the Forum convened representatives from across EU Member States and the European External Action Service. Over the course of the two-day forum, participants discussed how to strengthen civilian CSDP, the EU’s flagship framework for civilian crisis management, conflict prevention and peacebuilding.

Ireland is a strong supporter of civilian CSDP, which provides a horizontal and cross-cutting approach to non-military security, including hybrid and cyber threat monitoring, border management, legal and security services, and capability building frameworks for local police forces.

Paying tribute to the women and men deployed as civilian experts across the Mission network, Minister Richmond highlighted the central role of civilian CSDP and the contribution it makes to the EU’s security. He said: “A capable, effective and responsive civilian Common Security and Defence Policy is essential to solving Europe’s security challenges, as part of an integrated approach that tackles the root causes of conflict. Ireland’s EU Presidency will promote the development and evolution of the Common Security and Defence Policy to ensure that it remains responsive to ongoing crises.”

Director of the European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management, Johanna Sumuvuori, thanked Ireland for placing civilian CSDP high on the agenda at the start of its EU Presidency. She said: “Today’s Forum provides a timely opportunity to discuss the future of civilian Common Security and Defence Policy, maximise its added value in today’s security environment, and help inform the policy choices that will shape EU civilian crisis management beyond 2027.” 

The Summer Forum is the first of a number of security policy events taking place under the auspices of the EU Presidency as Ireland aims to advance measures contributing to the strengthening of European security.