Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 26 March 2026
166. Deputy Roderic O'Gorman asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if Ireland has contributed financially to the European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management (CoE); the precise amount; and if anyone from Ireland has been appointed to the CoE. [23257/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland believes that a capable, effective and responsive civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) is essential to solving Europe’s security challenges as part of an integrated approach that tackles the root causes of conflict. We will continue to champion the value of the instrument, including during our upcoming Presidency of the European Union. Through my Department, Ireland currently seconds 22 civilian experts across eight of the 12 civilian CSDP missions.
Ireland is a founding member of the European Centre of Excellence for Civilian Crisis Management (CoE), which is based in Berlin. The CoE was established in February 2020 and operates with a focus on enhancing capabilities to strengthen civilian crisis management in the framework of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). 25 EU Member States are currently members of the Centre. Engagement with the Centre is led by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Ireland pays an annual membership fee of €20,000 to the CoE from the budget of that depart.
Ireland was appointed to the CoE’s Advisory Board in January 2026 for the first time. The Advisory Board facilitates regular exchange between the CoE and its members, and provides strategic and political guidance to the CoE Executive.
As a service provider, the CoE supports its members to build capacity in order to fulfil commitments made under the EU's Civilian CSDP Compact. Ireland has benefited from ongoing practical, in-depth support and guidance that it provides in relation to refining and improving our own approach to civilian CSDP governance and secondments.
