[Thread] Member States adopted today conclusions on security and defense, one year after the last ones (June 2020). A on this 20-page long document which gives us an interesting glimpse of the upcoming 'Strategic Compass' https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/05/10/security-and-defence-eu-to-move-forward-on-common-security-and-defence/

1/ The ambition: Instead of using the sometimes controversial terms of "strategic autonomy" or "European sovereignty", the document simply underlines Europe's ambition to "take more responsibility for its security" and "act autonomously" to become a "global security provider".

2/ The Strategic Compass: The conclusions confirms that the 'Strategic Compass' will define concrete policy orientations for the next 5 to 10 years in four areas : crisis management, resilience, capability development and partnerships.

A first draft of the 'Strategic Compass' will be discussed in November 2021 with a view to its adoption in March 2022, under the Presidency.

The call for regular EU threat analysis, on the basis of the first-ever document adopted last year, is also worth-noting.

3/ Mutual solidarity: The work on article 42(7) TEU continues through table-top exercises with a view to reach a "common understanding" of its implementation. Lessons learned from these exercises will be discussed by the end of the year.

4/ Missions and operations: Member states want missions and operations to be more robust and flexible. The conclusions underline the need to improve force generation and decision-making process (notably through article 44 TEU).

5/ Sahel: The conclusions underscore the "regionalization" of civilian and military missions in the Sahel, underlining the importance of the centre of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. The increased engagement of in EUTM Mali is also welcomed.

6/ Libya: The conclusions welcome the extension of the mandate of Operation IRINI until 31 March 2023. @EUNAVFOR_MED will continue to implement the UN arms embargo on Libya and stands ready to train and support the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy.

7/ European Peace Facility: The conclusions welcome the establishment of the EPF which will enable to provide military and defense-related support to partners. Strong safeguards will be in place. First assistance measures are expected to be adopted next July.

8/ PESCO: New PESCO projects will be presented by November 2021. Member states welcome the invitation to and to participate in the military mobility PESCO project.

9/ Defense industry/new technologies: The conclusions welcome the adoption of the European Defense Fund and look forward to the Commission's roadmap on key technologies for security and defense. The role of the European Defense Agency in fostering defense innovation is underlined

10/ Cyber: The conclusions underline the need to strengthen EU's cybersecurity through the EU cyber diplomacy toolbox, scenario-based discussions, cyber defense capabilities or secured communications systems within the EU and its member states.

11/ Maritime security: Member states stress Europe's ambition to become a "global maritime security provider" through coordinated maritime presences, regular port calls around the world and cooperation with partners.

12/ Space: The importance of space for the autonomy of is underlined. Further work of the security and defense dimensions of EU Space program is expected.

13/ Military mobility: Further progress on military mobility is expected through investments in dual-use projects (funded by the Connecting Europe Facility) as well as dedicated exercises.

14/ EU-NATO: In a *long* paragraph, member states call for a strengthened EU-NATO partnership, in particular in the areas of exercises, operations (notably between IRINI and MARCOM), military mobility, cyber or capacity building.

15/ EU-US: The declaration ends with an interesting para on EU-US cooperation on security and defense. Member states call for discussions between Washington and Brussels on disarmament/non proliferation, new tech/cyber, crisis management, disinformation or strategic competition.

Member states conclude by reaffirming that "a stronger EU in the field of security and defence will also make the transatlantic partnership stronger".

The end !