Overseas interventions of the European Union

The European Union (EU) has undertaken a number of overseas missions, drawing on civilian and military capabilities, in several countries in three continents (Europe, Africa and Asia), as part of its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The mission works in agreement and coordination with the EU delegations, until 2009 known as the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).

The decisions of deployment and management of the mission are taken by EU member states in the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC).

The missions are given a prefix depending on the nature of the mission, which is either military or civilian.

Abbreviated prefixes of military missions/operation:

The military missions of the EU that involve combat are also referred to as operations. The operations are named as if the multinational force conducting it is established specifically for the unique operation, which is often the case. The force may however also consist of permanent multinational forces such as the European Corps.

Abbreviated prefixes of civilian missions:

The Council nominates headquarters for each mission, referred to as mission headquarters. Military CSDP missions with elements of combat are also referred to as operations, in which case the headquarters are referred to as operational headquarters (OHQs).

The selected OHQ runs the operation at the strategic level and directs the force headquarters (FHQ), which carries out the operation on the ground.

Since the first EU operation was deployed in 2003, four types of OHQs have been employed:

EUFOR proposed:

Related topics of the Common Security and Defence Policy:

Operations and exercises of the precursors of the Common Security and Defence Policy

Operations and exercises of the multinational forces made available to the CSDP in accordance with article 42.3 of the Treaty on European Union:

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