Political and Security Committee

Functions

The main functions of the PSC are keeping track of the international situation, and helping to define EU policies within the CFSP and CSDP. PSC sends guidance to, and receives advice from the European Union Military Committee (EUMC), the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM) as well as the European Union Institute for Security Studies. It is also a forum for dialogue on CSDP matters between the EU Member States.

The PSC drafts opinions for the Foreign Affairs Council, which is one of the configurations of the Council of the European Union. CFSP matters are passed to the Foreign Affairs Council via COREPER II.

Role in command and control of missions

History

The creation of the PSC was a result of the Treaty of Amsterdam, after which the establishment of the PSC was agreed in principle in December 1999, at the Helsinki European Council. PSC was first established as an interim body in 2000. In December 2000, at the Nice European Council it was agreed to make it permanent. The formal decision to set up the PSC was taken on January 22, 2001, by the Council of the European Union.

The PSC replaced the previous Political Committee, which met less frequently, and consisted of representatives from the Member States' capitals rather than Brussels-based ambassadors.

On 22 March 2021, the committee was sanctioned by the Chinese government after the European Union imposed sanctions on China over Xinjiang.

Chair

In 2010 Ambassador Olof Skoog (Sweden) was appointed by the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton to serve as the first Permanent Chair of the EU Political and Security Committee. He served until September 2013 when he was replaced by Walter Stevens (Belgium).

References

References

1. [http://europa.eu/scadplus/glossary/political_security_committee_en.htm Europa glossary: Political and Security Committee (PSC)] {{webarchive. link. (2008-03-09 , accessed on April 21, 2008)
2. [http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/european-union_157/eu-in-the-world_1491/common-foreign-and-security-policy_5463/operation-of-the-cfsp_5467/the-main-bodies-specific-to-the-cfsp_5472/the-political-and-security-committee_8754.html France-Diplomatie: The main bodies specific to the CFSP: The Political and Security Committee], accessed on April 21, 2008
3. [http://www.consilium.europa.eu/cms3_fo/showPage.asp?id=279&lang=EN&mode=g The Council of the European Union: ESDP Structures], accessed on April 21, 2008
4. [http://europa.eu/scadplus/leg/en/lvb/r00005.htm Activities of the European Union: Summaries of Legislation: Political and Security Committee (PSC)], accessed on April 21, 2008