"Since it was first set up in 1999, the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) has enabled the European Union to show that it can act effectively and usefully in the world. More than 20 civilian and military missions have been carried out by the EU, contributing to stability and maintaining the peace in the Balkans, the South Caucasus, Africa, the Middle East and Asia.
But for a European policy to be fully legitimate, that is to say, understood, accepted and, indeed, called for by the citizens of the Member States, the European Parliament must be associated with its decisions.
In my view, the role of the Sub-Committee on Security and Defence is precisely to examine developments in the CSDP in terms of institutions, capabilities and operations and to ensure that security and defence issues do not remain the exclusive preserve of experts, but also respond to the concerns expressed by the citizens of Europe."
Arnaud Danjean
