Publication

The European Council Summit is due to be held on 19-20 December 2013. Among the main issues for debate is the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). This paper looks at the recommendations set out in a report from the EU High Representative in October 2013, on strengthening CSDP, improving the availability of civilian and military capabilities, and strengthening Europe’s defense industry and examines the prospects for achieving significant progress at the summit. Much will depend on the stance of individual member states, argues the author - where their interests converge and how much they are willing to push their own agendas.