Today, the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) is the leading institution for training in the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) in the wider context of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), supporting the European Union’s efforts towards peace, security, and stability through high-quality education. It plays a key role in shaping a common European security culture, ensuring that personnel deployed to CSDP missions and operations are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to perform effectively in an integrated approach.
Since 2022, the ESDC has continued its trajectory of carefully considered growth, responding to increasing demand from Member States and the Union. The ESDC is fully committed to do its part in implementing the 2022 Strategic Compass and the 2023 Civilian CSDP Compact. This is reflected in the rising numbers of personnel trained as well as of its network members and associate partners, reaching 270 by 2025.
In light of Russia’s ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, the ESDC has deepened its collaboration with Ukrainian counterparts. Multiple Ukrainian institutions, including the Ministry of Defence, have joined the ESDC network. For the first time since the full-scale invasion, joint training initiatives have been organised within Ukraine, in cooperation with the European Union Advisory Mission.
Looking ahead, the ESDC will continue to evolve to meet the challenges of an increasingly unstable global security environment. As the debate on EU strategic autonomy intensifies, the ESDC’s role in delivering cutting-edge security and defence education becomes ever more important. We take pride in the ESDC’s continuous progress and dynamic development; notably recognised in the pivotal role of the ESDC in the 2024 EU Policy on Training for CSDP and the emphasis of the importance of training and the ESDC for Europe’s civilian and military preparedness and readiness in the 2024 Niinistö Report. We have demonstrated the ability to adapt quickly and flexibly to new challenges, delivering tailored training when and where it is needed most. This involves in-mission training, but also looking at new avenues, such as the development of artificial intelligence based tools in the ESDC’s eLearning.
The Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/3116 confirmed the ESDC’s mandate and further structurally consolidated the ESDC. Our expanding responsibilities have necessitated an increase in staffing, which has only been partially fulfilled. At the same time, we have made significant strides towards gender parity among our staff and continue to build on this progress.
As we approach the 20th anniversary of the ESDC in 2025, my team and I reflect with pride on the many achievements and the remarkable evolution of a body that was originally envisaged with only three staff members under the first Joint Action. This development entails the responsibility to strive for continued excellence in the next 20 years. It is only together as a Union and with our partners and friends of the network that we will rise to the numerous challenges to Europe’s security and reach our goals of a peaceful and prosperous continent.