The European Security and Defence Architecture
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The Security of the Caspian Sea Region
16. The Georgian–Abkhazian conflict Alexander Krylov I. Introduction The Abkhaz have long populated the western Caucasus. They currently number about 100 000 people, speak one of the languages of the Abkhazo-Adygeyan (west Caucasian) language group, and live in the coastal areas on the southern slopes of the Caucasian ridge and along the Black Sea coast. Together with closely related peoples of the western Caucasus (for example, the Abazins, Adygeyans and Kabardians (or Circassians)) they play an important role in the Caucasian ethno-cultural community and consider themselves an integral part of its future. At the same time, the people living in coastal areas on the southern slopes of the Caucasian ridge have achieved broader communication with Asia Minor and the Mediterranean civilizations than any other people of the Caucasus. The geographical position of Abkhazia on the Black Sea coast has made its people a major factor in the historical process of the western Caucasus, acting as an economic and cultural bridge with the outside world. Georgians and Abkhaz have been neighbours from time immemorial. The Georgians currently number about 4 million people. The process of national consolidation of the Georgian nation is still far from complete: it includes some 20 subgroups, and the Megrelians (sometimes called Mingrelians) and Svans who live in western Georgia are so different in language and culture from other Georgians that it would be more correct to consider them as separate peoples. Some scholars, Hewitt, for example,1 suggest calling the Georgian nation not ‘Georgians’ but by their own name, Kartvelians, which includes the Georgians, Megrelians and Svans.2 To call all the different Kartvelian groups ‘Georgians’ obscures the true ethnic situation. -
Conference on the Future of Europe
BRIEFING Conference on the Future of Europe SUMMARY After many debates and statements of principle in recent years, the time for a more structured discussion on the future of Europe's development has arrived. The Conference on the Future of Europe, announced by the Commission's President Ursula von der Leyen in her inaugural address, is set to start after a long period of standstill owing not only to changed priorities brought by the coronavirus pandemic, but also to lengthy negotiations among the institutions. The aim of the conference is to debate how the EU should develop in the future, identify where it is rising to the challenges of current times, and enhance those areas that need reform or strengthening. A key aspect of this initiative is to bring the public closer to the EU institutions, listen to people's concerns, involve them directly in the process of the Conference and provide an adequate and meaningful response. In this respect, the ambition is to set up pan-European forums for discussion, for the first time ever, where citizens of all Member States can debate the EU's priorities and make recommendations, to be taken into account by the political-institutional powers that be and, ideally, translated into practical measures. The pandemic hit as the preparation of the conference was just beginning and inevitably caused a delay. In March 2021, the European Parliament, the Council of the EU and the European Commission agreed on a joint declaration, laying down the common rules and principles governing the conference. It was agreed that the leadership of the conference would be shared by the three institutions, with the conference chaired jointly by their three presidents. -
South Korea: Defense White Paper 2010
DEFENSE WHITE PAPER Message from the Minister of National Defense The year 2010 marked the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. Since the end of the war, the Republic of Korea has made such great strides and its economy now ranks among the 10-plus largest economies in the world. Out of the ashes of the war, it has risen from an aid recipient to a donor nation. Korea’s economic miracle rests on the strength and commitment of the ROK military. However, the threat of war and persistent security concerns remain undiminished on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea is threatening peace with its recent surprise attack against the ROK Ship CheonanDQGLWV¿ULQJRIDUWLOOHU\DW<HRQS\HRQJ Island. The series of illegitimate armed provocations by the North have left a fragile peace on the Korean Peninsula. Transnational and non-military threats coupled with potential conflicts among Northeast Asian countries add another element that further jeopardizes the Korean Peninsula’s security. To handle security threats, the ROK military has instituted its Defense Vision to foster an ‘Advanced Elite Military,’ which will realize the said Vision. As part of the efforts, the ROK military complemented the Defense Reform Basic Plan and has UHYDPSHGLWVZHDSRQSURFXUHPHQWDQGDFTXLVLWLRQV\VWHP,QDGGLWLRQLWKDVUHYDPSHGWKHHGXFDWLRQDOV\VWHPIRURI¿FHUVZKLOH strengthening the current training system by extending the basic training period and by taking other measures. The military has also endeavored to invigorate the defense industry as an exporter so the defense economy may develop as a new growth engine for the entire Korean economy. To reduce any possible inconveniences that Koreans may experience, the military has reformed its defense rules and regulations to ease the standards necessary to designate a Military Installation Protection Zone. -
France's Foreign and Security Policy Under President Macron. the Consequences for Franco-German Cooperation
SWP Research Paper Ronja Kempin (ed.) France’s Foreign and Security Policy under President Macron The Consequences for Franco-German Cooperation Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik German Institute for International and Security Affairs SWP Research Paper 4 May 2021, Berlin Abstract ∎ French President Emmanuel Macron has announced his goal of revitalis- ing Franco-German relations and founding a “new partnership” between Paris and Berlin. However, in foreign and security policy, and in certain areas of his Europe policy, this aspiration has rarely been fulfilled. ∎ The main reasons are structural changes in international relations, which the French and German sides have reacted to differently. Paris is looking for new ways of preserving its autonomy in defence policy and of filling the strategic vacuum that has been created by the waning US interest in Europe and its periphery. Berlin emphasises the development of NATO and the EU as fundamental organisations for German foreign policy. ∎ Reconciling bilateral interests is also complicated by national solo efforts, indifference, and inadequate exchange of experience. ∎ The first precondition for intensifying bilateral cooperation is for Paris and Berlin to conduct a comprehensive review of the international con- flict situation in their existing cooperation formats as regards foreign and security policy. The two governments need to discuss openly to what extent their national interests are concerned, and then determine con- crete measures. ∎ Second, they must refrain from national solo efforts and be sensitive to the other’s pressure points in foreign, security and Europe policy. The Franco-German Parliamentary Assembly needs to urge the executive of both countries to fulfil the Élysée Treaty and the Aachen Treaty. -
Strengthening the Eastern Frontier 2
Strengthening the Eastern Frontier 2 Published by the Centre for Euro-Atlantic Integration and Democracy (CEID) Csipke út, 3/b - 1125 Budapest, Hungary www.ceid.hu Editor: Dániel Bartha Authors: Dániel Bartha, Hanna Shelesht, Martin Michelot, András Rácz, Botond Feledy, Kamil Mazurek, Tomasz Smura, Denys Bohush, Tomas Nagy, Kacper Rękawek Cover design, page layout and printing: Origami Europe Ltd. ISBN 978-963-12-9872-7 (printed) ISBN 978-963-12-9873-4 (pdf) Copyright: CEID, 2017 This book is published with the financial support of the International Visegrad Fund (IVF) in the framework of “V4+ Security – Strengthening the Eastern Frontier of the V4” project co-financed by the International Visegrád Fund (IVF). 4 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 6 Visegrad Support to the Security Sector of Ukraine 7 Introduction...............................................................................................................7 Poland...............................................................................................................7 Czech Republic...............................................................................................................9 Slovakia...............................................................................................................10 Hungary...............................................................................................................10 Conclusions...............................................................................................................11 V4 Defence Planning -
Annual Report 2016 Our Light-Footprint Approach to Peace
Our light-footprint approach to peace- building Annual report 2016 Schweizerische Friedensstiftung Fondation suisse pour la paix Fondazione svizzera per la pace Swiss Peace Foundation Publisher: swisspeace Sonnenbergstrasse 17 P.O. Box, CH-3001 Bern Bernoullistrasse 14-16 CH-4056 Basel Editors: Lukas Krienbuehl, Luca Gschwind, Arno Stirnimann Translation: Furrer Übersetzungen Design: Irena Germano Print: Schneider AG, Bern Circulation: 300 in English, 1000 in German, 300 in French Cover picture: Children sitting on the cargo carrier of a car in Myanmar. swisspeace / Stefan Bächtold swisspeace is an associated Institute of the University of Basel and a member of the Swiss Academy of Humanities and Social Sciences (SAHS) 2 Annual report 2016 Table of contents 4 Editorial 5 The Foundation A light-footprint approach in turbulent times for peacebuilding 6 Analysis & Impact Helping a peace organization in Myanmar become more effective 8 Dealing with the Past The future of dealing with the past in Tunisia 10 Mediation Hopes for peace in Colombia after a diffcult year 12 Statehood Development in a country that does not offcially exist 14 Policy & Platform Establishing platforms for peace 16 Business & Peace When it comes to business and human rights, everyone must play their part 18 Research & teaching Researching the obstacle-ridden process of dealing with Cambodia's past 20 Advanced training Further education in peacebuilding: two alumni profles 21 Insights into art & peacebuilding What effect does art have in confict areas? 22 Financial report 2016 24 Donors and clients 25 Staff 26 Foundation Board 27 Advisory Boards 28 Publications 2 Annual report 2016 3 Annual report 2016 Editorial In 2016, swisspeace’s new strategy for 2016 –2020 has sharpened the focus on three thematic programs – Mediation, Statehood and Dealing with the Past – as well as on a policy and a methodological program. -
2018 May Veliko Tarnovo 4Th CSDP Olympiad Booklet.Pdf
4th COMMON SECURITY AND DEFENCE POLICY OLYMPIAD Residential phase, 21 - 25 May 2018 at Vasil Levski NMU, Veliko Tarnovo, under the auspices of the Bulgarian Presidency of the Council of the European Union and the European Security and Defence College, Brussels, Belgium Publication of the Vasil Levski National Military University Editor: Colonel Prof. Dr. Veselin MADANSKI, Colonel Assoc. Prof. Nevena ATANASOVA - KRASTEVA, PhD Language Editor: Senior Instructor Marina RAYKOVA Disclaimer: Any views or opinions presented in this booklet are solely those of the authors. © Vasil Levski National Military University, Veliko Tarnovo, BULGARIA, 2018 ISBN 978-954-753-278-6 2 CONTENTS Table of Contents .......................................................................................................... 3 History of the CSDP Olympiad ................................................................................ 5 History of the Vasil Levski NMU, Veliko Tarnovo ........................................... 8 OPENING CEREMONY SPEECHES ....................................................................... 10 Speech of the Deputy-Minister of the Bulgarian Presidency of the EU Council ................................................................................................................ 10 CSDP Olympiad 2018 – Speech of the Chairman of the IG .......................... 13 Speech of the Head of the ESDC ............................................................................. 15 Speech of the Minister of Defence ........................................................................ -
Defence Forces Review 2020 Defence Forces Review 2020
Defence Forces Review 2020 Defence Forces Review 2020 ISSN 1649-7066 DISCLAIMER The material and views expressed in these papers are those of the authors, which have been subject to academic peer review, and do not indicate official approval of the Defence Forces or the Department of Defence. Published for the Military Authorities by the Public Relations Section at the Chief of Staff’s Branch, and printed at the Defence Forces Printing Press, Infirmary Road, Dublin 7. © Copyright in accordance with Section 56 of the Copyright Act, 1963, Section 7 of the University of Limerick Act, 1989 and Section 6 of the Dublin University Act, 1989. 1 Launch of the Defence Forces Review In conjunction with an Academic Seminar Dublin City University, 3rd December, 2020 Defence Forces Review 2020 Preface “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” (Harry Truman, US President 1945 – ‘53) Building on the success of last year’s Review, launch and positive reaction 2020’s Review is themed ‘The global island: Strategic implications for Irish defence planning in the evolving geopolitical landscape.’ This is a pertinent topic in light of the Defence Commission proposed in the 2020 Programme for Government, which is set to look at “the medium- and longer term defence requirements of the State…” The Defence Forces Review provides a forum in which contributors can present their research and facilitate discussion on a wide range of defence-related matters for the benefit of the wider Defence Community in Ireland and beyond. Sadly, due to Covid 19 restrictions we will be unable to have a normal launch of the Review. -
An Ambivalent 'Independence'
OswcOMMentary issue 34 | 20.01.2010 | ceNTRe fOR eAsTeRN sTudies An ambivalent ‘independence’ Abkhazia, an unrecognised democracy under Russian protection NTARy Wojciech Górecki Me ces cOM Abkhazia – a state unrecognised by the international community and depen- dent on Russia – has features of a democracy, including political pluralism. This is manifested through regularly held elections, which are a time of ge- tudies nuine competition between candidates, and through a wide range of media, s including the pro-opposition private TV station Abaza. astern e The competing political forces have different visions for the republic’s deve- lopment. President Sergei Bagapsh’s team would like to build up multilateral foreign relations (although the highest priority would be given to relations 1 Despite the lack of with Russia), while the group led by Raul Khajimba, a former vice-president international recognition, entre for it seems unreasonable c and present leader of the opposition, would rather adopt a clear pro-Moscow to use the form ‘self- orientation. It is worth noting that neither of the significant political forces appointed’ or ‘so-called’ president, or to append wants Abkhazia to become part of Russia (while such proposals have been inverted commas to the term (which also con- made in South Ossetia), and a majority of the Abkhazian elite sees Russia’s NTARy cerns other Abkhazian recognition of the country’s independence as a Pyrrhic victory because Me officials and institutions) it has limited their country’s room for manoeuvre. However, all parties are because Bagapsh in fact performs this agreed in ruling out any future dependence on Georgia. -
EU Diplomacy Papers European by Force and by Will: Portugal and the European Security and Defence Policy Hugo De Melo Palma
European by Force and by Will: Portugal and the European Security and Defence Policy EU Diplomacy Papers 7 / 2009 Hugo de Melo Palma Department of EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies www.coleurope.eu Department of EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies EU Diplomacy Papers 7/2009 European by Force and by Will: Portugal and the European Security and Defence Policy Hugo de Melo Palma © Hugo de Melo Palma 2009 Dijver 11 | BE-8000 Bruges, Belgium | Tel. +32 (0)50 477 251 | Fax +32 (0)50 477 250 | E-mail [email protected] | www.coleurope.eu/ird EU Diplomacy Paper 7/2009 About the Author Hugo de Melo Palma holds a BA in International Relations from the School of Political and Social Sciences of the Technical University of Lisbon, Portugal, and an MA in EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium. He was an intern at the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Instituto Camões) and at the Portuguese Atlantic Committee. Hugo de Melo Palma is currently an Academic Assistant in the Department of EU International Relations and Diplomacy Studies at the College of Europe. This paper is based on his Master’s thesis. Editorial Team: Benjamin Barton, André Ghione, Sieglinde Gstöhl, Dieter Mahncke, Jing Men, Anne- Claire Marangoni, Hugo Palma, Shannon Petry Dijver 11 | BE-8000 Bruges, Belgium | Tel. +32 (0)50 477 251 | Fax +32 (0)50 477 250 | E-mail [email protected] | www.coleurope.eu/ird Views expressed in the EU Diplomacy Papers are those of the authors only and do not necessarily reflect positions of either the series editors or the College of Europe. -
Sectoral Qualifications Framework for the Military Officer Profession
Sectoral Qualifications Framework for the Military Officer Profession SQF-MILOF VOL 01 We inspire, we train, we challenge! This document has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The contents of this document are the sole responsibility of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union. Edited by Col (RO A) Alin BODESCU, PhD, ESDC Training Manager Reviewed by: Dr Sylvain PAILE-CALVO: Senior Researcher in European Studies, University of Liège, Belgium Mrs. Joana CALDEIRA: Higher Education Expert, Ministry of Defence, Portugal Mr. Nelson Davide SILVA REIS: Higher Education Expert, Ministry of Defence, Portugal Col (IT A) Gianluca CARRIERO: Joint Education Coordination Officer, Centre for Defence Higher How to use this publication? Studies, Italy The Sectoral Qualifications Framework for the Military Officer Profession - SQF-MILOF package is published in two volumes. Volume 1 describes the SQF-MILOF rationale and context and the development, validation and roadmaps for implementation. It has both historical and documentary value. Volume 2 is more technical, where interested practitioners can find useful information such as the Competence Profile or the taxonomy of learning outcomes in the tabular format of the SQF-MILOF and MILOF-CORE. Neither the European Security and Defence College nor any person acting on behalf of the European Security and Defence College is responsible for the use that might be made of the following information. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union, 2021 © European Security and Defence College, 2021 Reproduction is authorised provided the source is acknowledged. -
GEORGIA Summary of Amnesty International’S Concerns
GEORGIA Summary of Amnesty International’s concerns Introduction Since Georgia’s early years of independence, marked by armed hostilities in various parts of the country as well as severe economic dislocation, the country has achieved a greater stability and taken various concrete steps towards building democratic institutions and reforming its judicial and legal systems. Recent moves welcomed by Amnesty International have included the appointment in October 1997 of a Public Defender, a new post introduced under the 1995 Constitution to monitor the defence of individual rights and freedoms, and complete abolition of the death penalty in November that year.1 Amnesty International remains concerned, however, that some of the guarantees and laws adopted to protect human rights are not fully implemented or observed. These areas of concern are described below. This paper also details alleged human rights violations in two areas of Georgia currently outside the de facto control of the Georgian authorities - Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Allegations of torture and ill-treatment in detention “Torture, inhumane, brutal or degrading treatment or punishment” is prohibited under the Georgian Constitution 2, which also forbids the physical or mental coercion of a detainee 3 and rules that evidence obtained by breaking the law is inadmissible and has no legal force.4 It is also a criminal offence for investigators and others to force a person to give testimony by use of threats or other illegal actions.5 These conditions are, of course, in addition to the guarantees against torture contained in the international standards to which Georgia is party. 1 See Concerns in Europe: July to December 1997, AI Index: EUR 01/01/98, February 1998.