Strategic advising in CSDP missions

CEPOL’s onsite course 83/2021 on EU Missions and operations – strategic advising took place in Budapest, at the International Training Centre (NOK ITC), in Budapest, on 7 – 10 December 2021.

The course welcomed 29 participants from 26 different EU countries as well as 2 participants from FRONTEX. The aim of the course was to enhance Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) EU Missions’ effectiveness by strengthening the skills of deployed law enforcement staff to provide strategic advice in host countries.

During the four days, participants deepened their knowledge in a wide range of important topics with the lead of several experts:

Mário Leal Gouveia (Gendarmerie full Colonel, Republican National Guard, Portugal) provided insights to the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) within the Common Foreign Security Policy (CFSP); introduced the concept of Strategic Advising, including motivating counterparts and coping with resistance. He also provided information on Command and control in EU Missions and operations.

Marcin Wydra (Operational Planning Officer - European External Action Service, Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability) presented Mission model structure and Mission support aspects and shared his knowledge on Strategic advising means in the EUAM type civilian CSDP Missions.

Jan Pecháček (Head of Division - Police of the Czech Republic, Police Education and Training Unit) and Gábor Németh (Lt. Colonel – National University of Public Service (NKE)) were leading extensive sessions on Monitoring, mentoring and advising, including case studies and group activities.

Rastislav Kovac (CEPOL, Training Officer - Cybercrime) presented EU Missions and operations from the deployed field officers perspective.

According to Colonel Mário Leal Gouveia (Republican National Guard, Portugal):

"The training went in a marvelous manner, with an active and interested attitude from all participants, who were keen on sharing and discussing their field experiences, particularly related to EU Missions. Participants showed a high level of commitment throughout the case studies and group activities, which resulted in excellent discussions.

The activity objectives were fully achieved and the remarkably well organized and managed onsite activity provided a great opportunity for networking between law enforcement officers from different European Union Member States, which will facilitate stronger international police cooperation."