Bulgaria Adopts National Plan for Strengthening its Participation in the Civic Dimension of the EU Common Security and Defense Policy
22 July 2020 News
The Council of Ministers adopted a National Plan for strengthening its implementation of the Civilian Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) Compact of the EU. The National Plan reflects the commitments made by Bulgaria and the other Member States that are parties to the Compact adopted in November 2018. The actions under the Plan cover the 2020-2023 period and include a review of the legislative framework, measures to foster capacity in order to increase Bulgaria’s contribution by posting national experts to civilian missions under the Common Security and Defense Policy, measures to improve the system of training and qualification and measures to promote this topic.
The civilian dimension of the Common Security and Defense Policy is one of the EU’s chief instruments for ensuring the security and stability of regions neighboring the Union during crises and conflicts. 10 civilian missions work towards improving and strengthening security and rule of law in Europe, Africa, and Asia.
At present Bulgaria has posted 25 officials to three civilian missions that it considers high-priority, thus providing 3.1 percent of all experts sent by EU Member States.
Bulgaria has posted 10 experts to the EU’s biggest civilian mission under the Common Security and Defense Policy (EULEX-Kosovo) as part of the efforts to assist Kosovar authorities in building robust, independent institutions to ensure the rule of law in full compliance with the EU’s best practices. Some 13 Bulgarian experts are working with the EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia on key tasks connected relating to de-escalation, building trust between parties in the conflict and ensuring long-term stability. The European Union Advisory Mission to Ukraine has two Bulgarian experts, who provide strategic advice and practical support for reforms in the areas of good governance and human rights.