The European Security and Defence College (ESDC) was established in 2005, with the aim of providing strategic-level education in European Security and Defence Policy, now Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). It followed thorough need analysis and experimentation phases. The creation of the ESDC was to give the Common Security and Defence Policy a training and education instrument which actively promotes a European security culture.
EU Member States participate in the effort on a voluntary basis. The training audience includes civil servants, diplomats, police officers, and military personnel from the EU Member States and EU institutions involved in CSDP. Partner countries and other international organisations are also invited to participate in some of the ESDC courses. In its first 5 years, the ESDC has developed into a key strategic CSDP training provider.
The ESDC is a network college. Several national universities, academies, colleges and institutes contribute to the success of the ESDC. The network members are well known civilian and military educational and research institutions in Europe.
The objective of the ESDC is to provide Member States and EU Institutions with knowledgeable personnel able to work efficiently on CSDP matters. In pursuing this objective, the College makes a major contribution to a better understanding of CSDP in the overall context of CFSP and to promoting a common European security culture.
ESDC Core Course on Security Sector Reform
The main objective of this training is to provide participants with opportunities to learn about the key SSR processes through a series of hands-on exercises. In addition, the training will highlight the key issues faced by an SSR advisor and will develop good practice examples through the collective sharing of filed experience.
ESDC SSR seminar and board meeting
The ESDC SSR seminar was part of a series of meetings linked to the development and implementation of the "Joint Communication on Elements for an EU-wide strategic framework to support security sector reform" adopted 5 July 2016 and endorsed by the "Council conclusions on EU-wide strategic framework to support Security Sector Reform (SSR)" by the Council on 14 November 2016. The seminar was conducted in close cooperation with the EU SSR Task force.
- The SSR-seminar took place on 25 September 2018 14.00 – 17.15
- The EAB SSR board meeting took place 26 September 2018 9.30-13.00
On the 25th September 2018, DCAF-ISSAT did a presentation on the integrated SSR-VE course under development during the discussions on the EU-wide strategic framework on SSR and implications for training.
Austrian ESDC Core Course on Security Sector Reform
The Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence has requested DCAF-ISSAT’s support to run the first part of an ESDC SSR training course from April 01-06 2019. This tailored level 1 SSR training is the first part of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) Core Course taking place in April and Oct 2019. It will be conducted by the Austrian Ministry of Defence and the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), in collaboration with DCAF-ISSAT. DCAF-ISSAT’s trainers will be involved in course preparations at the venue from Monday 01 April, with the starting formally on April 03. The entire ESDC Core course will run from April 03-10 2019.
This international training course will bring together approximately 25 to 30 participants from different ministries and governmental institutions, personnel serving in different international and regional organisations and international crisis response missions/operations as well as personnel from NGOs and Think Tanks.
The first part of the training will include components of the DCAF-ISSAT’s level 1 introductory training. Topics to be addressed by DCAF-ISSAT will include concept, policy framework and contexts of SSR, governance, SSR in post-conflict contexts, the role of civil society and non-state security actors in SSR, the coordination for SSR as well as cross-cutting issues such as the human rights and gender equality standards. Special attention will be paid to the introduction of practical examples through case studies. Interactive co-learning methodologies and simulation exercises that encourage participants to share their own experiences will be used throughout the course.
ESDC Core (Advanced) Course on Security Sector Reform
This 5-day ASSR residential course run in collaboration between DCAF-ISSAT, FINCENT and the ESDC, aims to enhance the skills, capacity and strategic thinking of participants on SSR principles through the sharing of views and experiences in SSR trends and practice. It will highlight issues such as the principles and characteristics of SSR, enhancing governance and oversight of security and justice institutions, the linkages between justice and police reform and the development of national security strategies. The course will also develop soft skills and will focus on the role of an SSR advisor.
At the end of the training participants will be able to:
- Apply analytical and problem-solving skills to consider SSG/R challenges in a specific context,
- Translate into practice the learning acquired to effectively improve how their institutions support SSR/G in the field.
- Build a practical understanding around the concept and key characteristics (1-2-3) of SSR, based on debate, discussion, exercise and case studies;
- Enhance skills required for effectively supporting SSR programmes;
- Examine various aspects of SSR including justice, police and defence reform and the interlinkages between these components;
- Identify key lessons and latest trends from practical SSR experiences; and,
Engage in dialogue and experience sharing with fellow participants, facilitators and external experts.
Core Training on Security Sector Reform (Tailored Level 1 SSR) as part of the ESDC Core Course on SSR September 30th – October 5th 2019 – Stadtschlaining, Austria
The Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence has requested DCAF-ISSAT’s support to run the first part of an ESDC SSR training course from September 30th to October 5th 2019. This tailored level 1 SSR training is the first part of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) Core Course taking place in April and Oct 2019. It will be conducted by the Austrian Ministry of Defence and the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), in collaboration with DCAF-ISSAT. DCAF-ISSAT’s trainers will be involved in course preparations at the venue from Monday 30th September to Friday 5th October. The entire ESDC Core course will run from October 1st to 10th 2019.
This international training course will bring together approximately 25 to 30 participants from different ministries and governmental institutions, personnel serving in different international and regional organisations and international crisis response missions/operations as well as personnel from NGOs and Think Tanks.
The first part of the training will include components of the DCAF-ISSAT’s level 1 introductory training. Topics to be addressed by DCAF-ISSAT will include concept, policy framework and contexts of SSR, governance, SSR in post-conflict contexts, the role of civil society and non-state security actors in SSR, the coordination for SSR as well as cross-cutting issues such as the human rights and gender equality standards. Special attention will be paid to the introduction of practical examples through case studies. Interactive co-learning methodologies and simulation exercises that encourage participants to share their own experiences will be used throughout the course.
Austrian ESDC Core Course on Security Sector Reform
SSR level 1 Training as part of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) Core Course.
The Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence and Sports has requested ISSAT’s support to run the first part of an ESDC SSR training course from 29 March to 6 April 2017. The course will be conducted by the Austrian Ministry of Defence and the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), in collaboration with ISSAT.
This international training programme will bring together approximately 25 to 30 participants from different ministries and governmental institutions, personnel serving in different international and regional organisations and international crisis response missions/operations as well as personnel from NGOs and Think Tanks.
The first part of the training will include components of the ISSAT’s Level 1 introductory training and will be delivered from 29 March to 6 April. The entire ESDC Core course will run from 29 March to 6 April 2017
Austrian ESDC Core Course on Security Sector Reform (II)
The Austrian Ministry of Defence and Sport (MoD) has requested ISSAT’s support to run the first part of an ESDC SSR training course from 15 - 18 April 2015. The course will be conducted by the Austrian MoD and the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), in collaboration with ISSAT.
This international training programme will bring together approximately 25 to 30 participants from different ministries and governmental institutions, personnel serving in different international and regional organisations and international crisis response missions/operations as well as personnel from NGOs and Think Tanks.
The first part of the training will include components of the ISSAT’s Level 1 introductory training and will be delivered from 15 - 18 April. The entire European Security and Defence College (ESDC) Core course will run from 15 - 23 April 2015
Austrian ESDC Core Course on Security Sector Reform
SSR level 1 Training as part of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) Core Course.
The Austrian Ministry of Defence and Sport (MoD) has requested ISSAT’s support to run the first part of an ESDC SSR training course from 6 - 10 April 2016. The course will be conducted by the Austrian MoD and the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), in collaboration with ISSAT.
This international training programme will bring together approximately 25 to 30 participants from different ministries and governmental institutions, personnel serving in different international and regional organisations and international crisis response missions/operations as well as personnel from NGOs and Think Tanks.
The first part of the training will include components of the ISSAT’s Level 1 introductory training and will be delivered from 6 to 10 April. The entire ESDC Core course will run from 6 to 14 April 2016
Level 2 SSR Course (ESDC)
This six-day training will bring together approximately 25 participants from the Finnish government, the EU, as well as representatives from donor and recipient countries. The course includes several modules covering topics such as the concept and context of SSR, governance, police reform and justice reform. Interactive co-learning methodologies and simulation exercises that encourage participants to share their own experiences will be used throughout the course.
Austrian ESDC Core Course on Security Sector Reform
SSR level 1 Training as part of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) Core Course.
The Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence and Sports has requested ISSAT’s support to run the first part of an ESDC SSR training course from 20-28 September 2017. The course will be conducted by the Austrian Ministry of Defence and the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), in collaboration with ISSAT.
This international training programme will bring together approximately 25 to 30 participants from different ministries and governmental institutions, personnel serving in different international and regional organisations and international crisis response missions/operations as well as personnel from NGOs and Think Tanks.
The first part of the training will include components of the ISSAT’s Level 1 introductory training and will be delivered from 21-23 September. The entire ESDC Core course will run from 20-28 September 2017
Austrian ESDC Core Course on Security Sector Reform
SSR Level 1 Training as part of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) Core Course.
The Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence and Sports has requested ISSAT’s support to run the first part of an ESDC SSR training course, running from 11 – 19th April 2018. The course was conducted by the Austrian Ministry of Defence and the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), in collaboration with ISSAT.
This international training programme brought together approximately 30 participants from different ministries and governmental institutions, personnel serving in different international and regional organisations and international crisis response missions/operations as well as personnel from NGOs and Think Tanks.
The first part of the training included components of the ISSAT’s Level 1 introductory training and was delivered from 11- 14th
April.
Core Training on Security Sector Reform (Tailored Level 1 SSR) as part of the ESDC Core Course on SSR October 04-06 2018 – Stadtschlaining, Austria
The Austrian Federal Ministry of Defence requested DCAF-ISSAT’s support to run the first part of an ESDC SSR training course from October 04-06 2018. This tailored level 1 SSR training is part of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) Core Course. It was conducted by the Austrian Ministry of Defence and the Austrian Study Centre for Peace and Conflict Resolution (ASPR), in collaboration with DCAF-ISSAT. However, DCAF-ISSAT’s trainers were present at the training venue from Monday 01 October to ensure an adequate preparation prior to the course that will start on October 03. The entire ESDC Core course was run from October 03-10 2018.
This international training course brought together approximately 25 to 30 participants from different ministries and governmental institutions, personnel serving in different international and regional organisations and international crisis response missions/operations as well as personnel from NGOs and Think Tanks.
The first part of the training included components of the DCAF-ISSAT’s level 1 introductory training. Topics to be addressed by DCAF-ISSAT included concept, policy framework and contexts of SSR, governance, SSR in post-conflict contexts, the role of civil society and non-state security actors in SSR, the coordination for SSR as well as cross-cutting issues such as the human rights and gender equality standards. Special attention was paid to the introduction of practical examples through case studies. Interactive co-learning methodologies and simulation exercises that encourage participants to share their own experiences were used throughout the course.
Training Manager
European Security and Defense College (ESDC) are looking for a Seconded National Expert as their new Training Manager focusing on civilian aspects of conflict prevention and civilian crisis management in support of CSDP missions and operations. The candidate will lead capacity building projects, Security Sector Reform and the work of the SSR Board including cooperation with other training actors and EU structures. The candidate will lead on training in the field of human rights, gender, child protection, building integrity, security-development nexus, conflict analysis and mediation support etc. as part of the EU integrated approach.
For full details about the vacancy as Training Manager, kindly follow the link.
Other Documents
ESDC - What we are, What we do: A Manual of the European Security and Defence College - September 2019 - February 2020
A manual of the European Security and Defence College September 2019 — February 2020.The ESDC, in the context of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), provides EU–level training and education, in the field of the Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). It aims to develop and promote a common understanding of CSDP among civilian and military personnel, and to identify and disseminate, through its training activities, good practices in relation to various CSDP issues. By doing so, the ESDC complements the national efforts in the field of training and education.
Civilian Coordinator for training in Security Sector Reform (CCT-SSR): ESDC EAB SSR Report on Training Requirements Analysis for Civilian CSDP Missions
Mandated by the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) Executive Academic Board on SSR (EAB-SSR) and in partnership with the Swedish Folke Bernadotte Academy, DCAF-ISSAT conducted a “Training Requirements Analysis” for the European Union “Civilian Common Security and Defense Policy” (CSDP) missions. The analysis recognises key gaps and recommendations to EU member states to improve their support to security and justice advisors, including opportunities regarding talent retention and deployment systems. The final report has been endorsed by the EU Coordination Training Group and EU Member States in March 2021.
Read more about the mandate Training Requirements Analysis for Civilian CSDP Missions on our dedicated mandate page.