Written by Alina Dobreva and Carmen-Cristina Cîrlig,
The EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is designed to preserve peace, prevent conflicts, strengthen international security and ensure the visibility and effectiveness of EU foreign policy.
Spending under the CFSP (€327.3 million in commitments for 2016) covers only some EU foreign policy measures, namely civilian missions, EU Special Representatives and measures supporting non-proliferation and disarmament. It excludes expenditure that has military or defence implications (Article 41 TEU).
Given the volatile situation in many parts of the world, crisis management missions, preventive strategies, post-crisis rehabilitation and reconstruction all play an important role. Eleven civilian missions are currently funded by the EU budget (see Figure 1), but these missions can also be supported by funds coming from the EU Member States, participating third countries and other international organisations. At present, the EU missions with the largest budgetary allocations are the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and the European Union Police Mission in Afghanistan (EUPOL). Despite the difficulties and specific circumstances in these countries, the European Court of Auditors acknowledges the considerable contribution of these missions. The Court also expresses doubts, however, about the sustainability of their results, and concern about insufficient provision of logistical, technical and/or human resources support.
There are currently nine EU Special Representatives (EUSRs) promoting EU policies and defending EU interests in troubled regions and countries. They play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law. The EUSRs cover Central Asia; the Middle East Peace Process; Afghanistan; Bosnia and Herzegovina; Kosovo; the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia; the Horn of Africa; Human Rights; and the Sahel.
Measures in support of non-proliferation and disarmament contribute to non-proliferation and prevention of trafficking of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction, conventional weapons, and small arms and light weapons (SALW).
The measures address the underlying factors driving illegal demand for SALW, as well as the role of both state and non-state actors in the proliferation of WMD. The budget for all supported non-proliferation and disarmament actions for 2015 was €17 million. It has been increased to €19 million for 2016 (commitments).
For the complete briefing on ‘How the EU budget is spent: Common Foreign and Security Policy‘ please click here.
