Civilian missions are a “powerful European foreign policy instrument” and the quality of Italy’s engagement in crisis areas is universally recognised. This point was underscored by Secretary of State Mantica, speaking at the seminar on “Italy in EU civilian missions – Problems and Prospects” organised by the MFA and the Institute of International Affairs (IAI). The event took place at the Foreign Ministry in Rome.
In their discussion the participating operators, experts, academics and politicians examined the problems affecting EU civilian missions and their prospects for the future. Participants agreed that more reliable resources were needed, and closer coordination between EU member states. This would increase the potential of an instrument that has become an essential element in completing military missions in crisis areas, 10 years on from the birth of the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).
If civilian missions are to be successful then closer strategic planning is needed, in coordination with military mission commands. Strategies and plans must take the amount of available resources – at present somewhat scarce – into account. On this front, the aim is to include funding for civilian missions in government budgets, thus moving on from the approach based on “extraordinary initiatives”. The next necessary step is to improve recruitment mechanisms (through more and better advertising of the missions themselves). Training should also be improved, for example by harmonising curricula at the European level.
There is cause for optimism, however. Once the Lisbon Treaty comes into force, European foreign policy will become more consistent, with a greater capacity for coordinating member states’ efforts.
EU engagement throughout the world today sees a predominance of civilian as opposed to military missions. Eight civilian and 2 civilian-military missions are currently active in Bosnia and Kosovo, in the Palestinian Territories and in Iraq, Georgia, Guinea Bissau, Congo and Afghanistan.
Italy is the second contributor to ESDP, with 250 units out of the total of 2,500. Our country provides police personnel, Ministry of Justice officials, magistrates, members of the armed forces (in a post-conflict monitoring role), policy analysts and experts in human rights.
Italy’s contribution is of “inestimable value in its farsightedness”, as Kees Klompenhouwer, the head of the EU’s civilian missions, underscored today at the MFA. Italy brings with it “an uncommon ability to establish good relations with local populations”, added Secretary of State Mantica. The Italian model is inspired by the “piazza”, where the community can meet and engage in dialogue in a spirit of mutual respect.