The EU as a security actor in Africa

Instability and conflict in Africa create a range of security problems for Europe. Rapidly increasing migration via the Mediterranean Sea, extremism and terrorism, as well as cross-border crime, all have implications for security in Europe, but are spill-over effects of instability outside Europe. The European Union has a considerable interest in a stable Africa, and also seems willing to assume a special responsibility for the continent.

This Clingendael report focuses on the European Union’s role as a security actor in Africa. It considers the use of all the policy instruments at the EU’s disposal. The authors concentrate mainly on the question how the integrated approach is evolving, and what consequences this has for the Common Security and Defence Policy.

The Clingendael Monitor 2016 consists of a summary report that has yet to be published and an in-depth study “EU as a security actor in Africa”. The Clingendael Monitor is published each year as part of the Strategic Monitor of the Dutch government. The web report requires an updated browser (Chrome, Firefox or IE from version 9). Older browser? The PDF can be found below.