Security and Defence Subcommittee (SEDE) - European Parliament

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Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

On 23 March, the study “Challenges to freedom of the seas and maritime rivalry in Asia" and the study "Cybersecurity in the CSDP - Challenges and risks for the EU" will be presented at SEDE committee.
Further information
Draft agenda and meeting documents
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

The East and South China Sea is a strategic maritime link and a major trade route with rich fishing grounds and oil and gas reserves. Mounting conflicts between neighbouring countries (in particular China, the Philippines and Vietnam) have resulted in growing security tension and militarisation of the region. The hearing will therefore address security implications of the territorial disputes for global and European security, and the role the EU could play in easing tensions in the region.
Location : Paul-Henri Spaak 5B001
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Draft programme
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

The EU Counter-Terrorism Strategy was adopted in 2005. Since then the EU has improved ties with third countries in combating terrorism, in particular with countries in the Southern Neighbourhood. The EU adopted a wide-ranging counter-terrorism approach and acts through building state capacity, strengthening the rule of law/respect for human rights, fostering regional cooperation, and preventing/combating terrorism.
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Study
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

China’s New Maritime Silk Road policy poses geostrategic challenges and offers some opportunities for the US and its allies in Asia-Pacific. To offset China’s westward focus, the US seeks to create a global alliance strategy with the aim to maintain a balance of power in Eurasia, to avoid a strong Russia-China or China-EU partnership fostered on economic cooperation. For the EU, the ‘One Belt, One Road’ (OBOR) initiative by improving infrastructure may contribute to economic development in neighbouring countries and in Africa but present also risks in terms of unfair economic competition and increased Chinese domination. Furthermore, China’s behaviour in the South China Sea and rebuff of the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, in July 2016, put the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) at risk with possible consequences to freedom of the seas. Increasing relations with China could also affect EU-US relations at a time of China-US tension. To face these challenges, a stronger EU, taking more responsibility in Defence and Security, including inside NATO, is needed.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

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Programme
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

will take place on Wednesday 22 March, 9:00-12:30 and 15:15-18:30 and Thursday 23 March 2017, 9.00-12:30 in Brussels.

Organisations or interest groups who wish to apply for access to the European Parliament will find the relevant information below.

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watch the meeting live
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Length of video : 160'
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Disclaimer : The interpretation of debates serves to facilitate communication and does not constitute an authentic record of proceedings. Only the original speech or the revised written translation is authentic.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

The committee will welcome Annick Hiensch, Deputy Head of the UN Liaison Office for Peace and Security and Clara Ganslandt, Head of Division for Common Security and Defence Policy – partnerships and agreements, EEAS for a discussion on the UN-EU Strategic Partnership on Peacekeeping. The debate on 9 March will aim to review the implementation of the Council’s 2015 decision on “Strengthening the UN-EU Strategic Partnership” and explore the new commitments made under the EU’s Global Strategy.
Further information
Draft agenda and meeting documents
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

On 9 March, the subcommittee will discuss the topic "CSDP missions and operations: Learning the lessons!?" with Giovanni Cremonini, Chair of the EEAS inter-service CSDP Lessons Working Group. With the EU having established, over recent years, a coherent mechanism for identifying best practices in CSDP missions, primarily through its Annual CSDP Lessons report and the associated processes, the committee will use this opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved and explore the way forward.
Further information
draft agenda and meeting documents
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

On 9 March, the subcommittee will discuss the topic "CSDP missions and operations: Learning the lessons!?" with Giovanni Cremonini, Chair of the EEAS inter-service CSDP Lessons Working Group. With the EU having established, over recent years, a coherent mechanism for identifying best practices in CSDP missions, primarily through its Annual CSDP Lessons report and the associated processes, the committee will use this opportunity to take stock of the progress achieved and explore the way forward.

Further information
Draft agenda and meeting documents
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

On 9 March, SEDE will discuss, for the first time, its draft own-initiative report on private security companies (Rapporteur: Hilde Vautmans, ALDE). The report focusses on the increasingly important role played by private security companies in support of national militaries and EU activities abroad. It notes various challenges associated with their use and raises questions about regulating the activities of these quasi-transnational actors.
Further information
Draft report
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

The workshop was organised on January 26, 2017 at the initiative of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) with the aim to highlight trends, challenges and recommendations regarding civilian and military personnel deployed in CSDP missions and operations in particular in the areas of force generation, training and the national follow-up on crimes and offences perpetrated during deployment. Annalisa Creta is research fellow of the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Italy, specialised in civilian crisis management with a particular focus on training issues. Petteri Taitto is affiliated with the Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland as principal scientist. Alberto di Martino is full professor of criminal law at the Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies in Italy.
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

The workshop was organized on October 13, 2016 at the initiative of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence (SEDE) with the aim of assessing relations between Saudi Arabia and the Member States in the field of armaments cooperation, touching on the absence of a common European position in this area.
Agnès Levallois, lecturer at Sciences Po Paris and ENA, is affiliated to the Académie Diplomatique and works as a consultant, specialising in political, strategic and economic issues in the Middle East. Jane Kinninmont is a senior research fellow and deputy head of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House.
Further information
Workshop - In Depth Analysis
Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP

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Source : © European Union, 2017 - EP