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European Security and Defence College

EAB SSR.DDR

ESDC configuration on Security Sector Reform and Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration

On the left Eulex Kosovo Police officers, in the middle ESDC logo mute version negetive, on the right mine clearence sign in Ukraine

About the configuration

Established in 2010, the ESDC Executive Academic Board on Security Sector Reform (EAB SSR) enhances CSDP expertise by coordinating EU-wide SSR training. In 2023, its mandate expanded to include Disarmament, Demobilisation, and Reintegration (DDR), forming the EAB SSR/DDR. The board ensures high-quality training across ESDC institutions.

 

Functions

The EAB SSR/DDR oversees the implementation of SSR/DDR courses, supports EU training groups, and ensures alignment with lessons from EU missions and operations. As the Discipline Leader for Military Support to SSR and DDR, the board identifies training needs within the framework of EUMTG in the Council, connects stakeholders, and fosters collaboration between CSDP experts and EU institutions.

 

Thematic Cooperation

In partnership with the EEAS Task Force on SSR, the board advances strategic EU frameworks, training programs, and seminars, bridging policy and practice. Training covers governance, accountability, risk management, and gender mainstreaming, strengthening SSR/DDR efforts within CSDP missions, EU delegations and beyond.

 

Integration of DDR

With DDR training integrated in 2023, the board explores synergies between SSR and DDR, implementing the EU’s revised strategic approach. This initiative bolsters Europe’s role in global peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and security while supporting resilience, development, and conflict prevention.

Chair and Configuration Support

  • Kurt Meissner, close up
    Chair - Kurt Meissner

    Kurt Meissner leads the Security and Defence Sector Reform Section in Austria’s Armed Forces Implementation Office for Arms Control. A former Chief Instructor at AUTINT, he specializes in SSR, DDR, leadership, and arms control training. As ESDC Core Course on SSR director, he represents Austria internationally and has chaired the ESDC Executive Academic Board on SSR since 2020, expanding to SSR and DDR in 2023. He also served as a UN Military Observer in peacekeeping missions in the Middle East, Cambodia, and Rwanda.

     

  • Close up of Enver Ferhatović, dark suit and tie
    ESDC Coordinator - Enver Ferhatović

    Enver Ferhatović, a German seconded national expert of the Center for International Peace Operations (ZIF), coordinates the SSR and DDR Configuration at the ESDC, overseeing courses on SSR, DDR, mediation, and political affairs. With extensive CFSP/CSDP experience in conflict regions like the Middle East, Ukraine, the Horn of Africa, Afghanistan and the Balkans, he specialises in peacebuilding strategies and strategic planning in crisis response. As a former Senior Researcher for the European Commission’s EUNPACK.eu project, he analysed EU’s conflict management. He holds a Master’s degree in political science and law, while his doctoral research at the Freie Universität Berlin focuses on effectiveness of EU’s policing and SSR missions.