The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the European Union aims to preserve peace and strengthen international security in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.

To better protect its citizens and defend its values, the EU needs to take strategic action on defence and increase its capacity to act autonomously.

The Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG-DEFIS) is the European Commission's department tasked with strengthening the competitiveness and innovation of the European Defence industry by ensuring the evolution of an able European defence technological and industrial base.

The Defence Agency supports the development of defence capabilities and military cooperation between EU countries. It stimulates defence research and technology, strengthens the European defence industry and acts as a military interface on EU policies.

The European Peace Facility is an off-budget instrument that enhances the EU’s ability to act as a global security provider. It was established in March 2021 to preserve peace, prevent conflicts and strengthen international security.

The Satellite Centre provides geospatial intelligence products and services, primarily by analysing data from Earth observation satellites. It provides decision makers with early warnings of potential crises to enable diplomatic, economic and humanitarian measures to be taken in good time.

The Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) enables the Union to take a leading role in peace-keeping operations, conflict prevention and in the strengthening of the international security. It is an integral part of the EU's comprehensive approach towards crisis management, drawing on civilian and military assets.

The establishment of the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) by the Council in December 2017 has raised cooperation on defence among the participating EU Member States to a new level.

The Institute analyses foreign, security and defence policy issues. It provides analysis, organises discussion forums to help formulate EU policy, and contributes to debates on security strategy in and outside Europe.

The common security and defence policy (CSDP) is an integral part of the EU’s common foreign and security policy (CFSP). The CSDP is the main policy framework through which Member States can develop a European strategic culture of security and defence, address conflicts and crises together, protect the Union and its citizens, and strengthen international peace and security. As a result of the tense geopolitical context, the CSDP has been one of the fastest developing policies over the last 10 years. Since 24 February 2022, the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has acted as a geopolitical reset for Europe and created further impetus for what should become an EU Defence Union.