Publication

Since the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) emerged into the light of day in June 1999, the EU's capabilities in this field have grown considerably. Twenty-three ESDP missions and operations deployed to places from the Balkans to Africa, the Middle East and even Asia testify to the member states' efforts to join together to engage in crisis management and to tackle challenges to European security. At first glance these engagements would appear to show that the EU has achieved the goals set by the December 2003 European Security Strategy.