'EU sent 13 civilian, military missions to different countries'

European Union (EU) under its Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) had sent 13 civilian and military missions in different countries but the civilian missions outnumbered the military ones. This was stated by Pierre Mayaudon, EU's Deputy Head of Delegation while delivering a lecture on "EU's emerging role on the security and defense fronts" at the Area Study Centre for Europe (ASCE), University of Karachi here on Wednesday.
In Pakistan, EU's image is based on the reflection of its traditional missions such as trade and development aid but the present image of EU is unknown to general public. EU is partner in science and technology and also engaged in supporting democratic stability but there is no defense project of EU in Pakistan. CSDP sent only two missions in Asia. There is no mission for Latin America. EU considers geography and history as most significant, according to Mayaudon.
He opined that with the Yugoslav crisis in the 90s, EU reviewed its security strategy to enable it to play an effective role in the security realm. He highlighted the CFSP's historical evolution since the formation of WEU in 1948 to Lisbon Treaty in 2009. The Lisbon Treaty stressed on collective self-defense, solidarity in natural disasters, enlargement of missions and further integration among the members.
The Balkans is a part of Europe, while with Africa EU has historical ties. To send a mission it is necessary that the EU first receives a request and then it responds. There has been no call from South America, he said. The civilian missions of EU promote the rule of law, good governance and stability. They strengthen the police and judicial system and capacity building etc, in host countries. EU has also helped in saving lives of Pakistani sailors from Somali pirates. However, he admitted that in global politics the EU is playing a secondary, not a major role.
Earlier, Director, ASCE, Professor Dr Moonis Ahmer said that Europe's history was full of violence and wars but after the Second World War, we see no act of inter-state violence, which is an example for the rest of the world. He also mentioned the process of co-operation in Europe after the end of Second World War leading to the emergence of EU.