COVID-19, LESSONS AND IMPLICATIONS
FOR EU SECURITY AND DEFENCE
Since the beginning of the crisis caused by SARS-CoV-2, the EU has not only been acting with all the means at its disposal to
cope with the pandemic but has also been constantly analysing and reflecting on key lessons and implications for its security
and defence. The aim is to be ready to confront potential security consequences of the current pandemic and to be better
prepared and resilient for the future.
SOLIDARITY
>EU Member States armed forces are helping
each other.
>EEAS Task Force* supports and facilitates
information exchange on national military
assistance to civilian authorities.
PARTNERSHIPS
>Enhanced global
competition demands
strong multilateralism,
with the United Nations
at its core.
>Closer coordination
with NATO, e.g. looking
for synergies and avoiding
duplications.
>Dialogue and cooperation
with all international
partners to cope with the
pandemic.
>Coordination with
partners on the ground
(13 of the 17 EU CSDP
missions and operations
share the same
theatre with
UN missions).
RESPONSIVNESS
>Monitoring
possible impact on
the security and stability
beyond EU borders, such
as terrorism, e.g.
in the Sahel.
>Our EU missions and
operations need to be
adaptable to changing
circumstances and help
partners.
>Fast track planning
and decisions-making
procedures.
>Making best use of
our EEAS Early Warning
System for conflict
prevention and enhance if
necessary.
FIVE LESSONS
LEARNED
CAPABILITIES
>Identify options for EU civilian missions
to contribute to the EU response to the pandemic.
>PESCO projects: can generate collaborative projects
enhancing the Union’s preparedness and resilience.
>European Defence Fund and Military Mobility need to be
adequately funded, will also help EU’s economic recovery.
>EEAS —incl. Military Staff— could undertake stocktaking
analysis to evaluate critical capabilities and existing gaps.
PREPAREDNESS
>Addressing vulnerabilities e.g.
in cyber, hybrid, disinformation, or
Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear
(CBRN) threats.
>Coordinated civil-military response, e.g. through
exercises and training.
>Improving the protection of the EU’s internal
information and communication networks.
(*) The European External Action Service Task Force (EEAS TF) provides a centralized information exchange platform to facilitate assistance and
mutual support between the SAFs of different EU countries in their work and help the civilian authorities. Its work is closely linked to the European
Commission, the Directorate General for Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO) and the Emergency Response Coordination
Centre (ERCC). It also holds regular meetings with NATO, including the Euro-Atlantic Disaster Response Coordination Centre (EADRCC).
Rafael Navarro / Source: European Union/RED