European Union Institute for Security Studies

The European Union Institute for Security Studies is part of the support structure for the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union. Its role is to provide research and analysis in relation to international issues.

ACT

Council Joint Action 2001/554/CFSP of 20 July 2001 on the establishment of a European Union Institute for Security Studies [see amending acts].

SUMMARY

This Joint Action establishes the European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS). Through its research and analysis, the EUISS contributes to European decision-making in the area of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). In particular, it conducts analysis and provides a forum for debate regarding the external strategy of the European Union (EU).

The Joint Action therefore defines the mission and structure of the EUISS.

Mission

The mission of the EUISS is to contribute to the development of the CFSP and, in particular, of the common security and defence policy. It conducts academic research and political analysis. In particular, the Institute provides analysis and estimates to the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The EUISS also arranges conferences and seminars several times a year. These events are mainly intended to develop the strategic debate in Europe. For example, they may bring together experts and researchers from Europe or the rest of the world, representatives of the EU and Member States, or non-governmental organisations. The Institute’s activities are also intended to feed the transatlantic dialogue.

In addition to its work, the Institute maintains a network of exchanges with other research institutes and think-tanks both inside and outside the EU.

Lastly, the Institute carries out information and communication activities with regard to the CFSP. The Institute's output is distributed as widely as possible, except as regards information classed as confidential.

Structure

The EUISS is managed by two bodies:

• the Board: the Board is composed of one representative for each Member State and one representative of the Commission. It meets at least twice a year and is chaired by the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The Board’s main responsibility is to adopt the Institute’s annual work programme and the appropriate budget.
• the Director: the Director is appointed by the Board for a term of three years with a possible two-year extension. The Director is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Institute and for successfully carrying out its mission. In particular, the Director is required to prepare the work of the Board.

The staff of the EUISS is composed of researchers and administrative staff. Researchers are recruited by competition and on the basis of expertise with regard to the CFSP. All staff of the EUISS are contract staff. However, experts from the Member States, EU officials or visiting researchers from Member States or third states may be seconded to the Institute for limited time periods.

Budget

The budget of the EUISS must be balanced in income and expenditure. The Institute’s income comes from contributions from the Member States calculated on the basis of gross national income.

Context

The EUISS emerged from the former Western European Union (WEU). The WEU was created in 1971 and dissolved on 30 June 2011. The WEU itself comprised structures specialising in CFSP-related studies. Those structures were used as a basis and incorporated into the EUISS.

See also

• European Union Institute for Security Studies

Last updated: 07.08.2011