SecDef is an annual high level conference organised in Brussels which gathers key actors from both civilian and military backgrounds to exchange ideas and discuss the future of the European Security and Defence Policy.
"EU Smart Power": Towards a better integration of European civilian and military dimensions
During the Security and Defence Day '09, speakers voiced their support for increased civil-military cooperation both at home and in the field, however, there was less agreement on how to define European "smart power". Much of the discussion focused around improving funding mechanisms, reaching adequate levels of political consensus and developing forward-looking strategies that would enable Europe to call on a mission-ready civ-mil toolbox in the event of a crisis.
During the first session on the policies and finances of civ-mil cooperation, MEP Geoffrey Van Orden emphasised that security threats must be engaged on every possible front, including on economic and social levels, but that he believed NATO better suited to military tasks. In contrast, Nils Daag and Cristina Gallach both stated that the EU had a unique opportunity, especially when compared with NATO, to deploy its "deep pool of civilian resources" in both protecting EU citizens and fostering security abroad. However, both speakers as well as MEP Ana Gomes mentioned current obstacles such as inadequate funding mechanisms, lack of political consensus and reluctance on the part of member states to second their civilian experts.
During the final plenary session, the panel was unanimous in its opinion that increased civ-mil cooperation would enhance ESDP. Many expressed hope that current frameworks, funding mechanisms and the general mindset towards civ-mil cooperation would be improved with the signing of the Lisbon Treaty. Claude-France Arnould from the Council stressed the progress made since early ESDP missions, especially in Chad, Georgia and the Horn of Africa. Richard Wright and Robert Walter argued that while the EU has adequate tools for crisis management, there must be more cohesion in its approach, especially in terms of division of responsibilities (especially funding) between member states and community institutions.
