EUROPEAN UNION INSTITUTE FOR SECURITY STUDIES (EUISS)

The European Union Institute for Security Studies (EUISS) is the Union’s agency dealing with the analysis of foreign, security and defence policy issues.

The Institute was set up in January 2002 as an autonomous agency under the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) to foster a common security culture for the EU, support the elaboration and projection of its foreign policy, and enrich the strategic debate inside and outside Europe. Based in Paris, with a Liaison Office in Brussels, the EUISS is now an integral part of the new structures that underpin the further development of the CFSP/CSDP.

The Institute’s core mission is to provide analyses and fora for discussion that can be of use and relevance to the formulation of EU policy. In carrying out that mission, it also acts as an interface between European experts and decision-makers at all levels.

The Institute is funded by the EU Member States according to a GNI-based formula. It is governed by a Board, chaired by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR), which lays down its budgetary and administrative rules and approves its work programme. The Political and Security Committee (PSC) exercises political supervision - without prejudice to the intellectual independence and operational autonomy of the EUISS.

Brussels Liaison Office

The EUISS opened a Liaison Office in Brussels on 3 December 2012. Supporting and complementing the work of EUISS headquarters in Paris, the Brussels Liaison Office further boosts the Institute’s visibility in the home of the EU institutions.

The Liaison Office is conveniently located in the Schuman area, enabling the Institute to provide a base for EUISS staff whilst on mission, as well as to welcome visitors and host events in Brussels. In addition to raising the profile of the Institute, the Liaison Office acts as a focal point for Brussels-based print and broadcast media seeking EUISS briefings and views on key EU foreign and security policy issues.

Activities

The Institute team’s events are intended to enhance the Union’s analytical capacity and facilitate the shaping of common approaches. They bring together EU officials, national experts, academics, decision-makers, media and civil society representatives from the EU Member States, as well as the rest of the world.

EUISS Conferences are large public events attended by well-known figures and centred on broad political issues. EUISS Seminars are medium-sized events focused on specific subjects, often with a regional or policy emphasis. EUISS Task Forces are smaller groups which meet with some regularity to monitor events in a particular region and/or specific policy developments, and often to deliver targeted advice. Participation in EUISS events is by invitation only.