The Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), formerly known as the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), is a major element of the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union (EU) and is the domain of EU policy covering defence and military aspects. The ESDP was the successor of the European Security and Defence Identity under NATO, but differs in that it falls under the jurisdiction of the European Union itself, including countries with no ties to NATO.
Formally, the Common Security and Defence Policy is the domain of the European Council, which is an EU institution, whereby the heads of member states meet. Nonetheless, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, also plays a significant role. In her position as Chairman of the external relations configuration of the Council, she prepares and examines decisions to be made before they are brought to the Council.
European security policy has followed several different paths during the 1990s, developing simultaneously within the Western European Union, NATO and the European Union itself.
Read more about Common Security And Defence Policy: Background 1945-54, Petersberg Tasks, WEU-NATO Relationship and The Berlin Agreement, Incorporation of The Petersberg Tasks and The WEU in The EU, Helsinki Headline Goal, EU-NATO Relationship and The Berlin Plus Agreement, European Security Strategy, Overseas Deployments, Current Content and Structure
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