Europe Security and Defence Identity: from Design to Implementation (1945-2013)

Europe Security and Defence Identity (ESDI) is a brainchild of new security regimes formed after Maastricht 1991 in Europe, whereby the European countries are obliged to contribute to the security of the union through developing the ESDI which meets the needs of the continent. This institute not only helps the EU members establish stronger and more moderate relations with the countries across Atlantic Ocean but improves the union as well. Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) which is currently known as Europe Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) constitutes an essential part of common foreign and security policies of EU and includes defence covers and military aspects of the union. To examine the security and defence identity of Europe, Neoclassical Realisms can be applied. Although European Security and Defence Institute is merely 14 years old, since January 2003 to April 2013 it has accomplished 33 military and non-military missions in Europe, Africa and Asia for the purpose of enhancing the global peace and security. Eight of the missions will have been accomplished in 2013, 5 missions in 2014 and 3 missions in 2015 (ISI, EU, 1995, appendix 1). This article extensively examines the background and purpose of European countries for establishing a security and defence institute for EU and assess the status quo of this institute in global society especially its relation with the US and NATO since its birth until 2013.