Human Security Perspectives in European Civilian Crisis Management : EULEX Kosovo and the CSDP goals

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate how human security principles are embedded in the European Union’s foreign and security policies. The main focus was on the European Union’s crisis management operations’ contribution to human security principles by evaluating the impacts of the mission in Kosovo on the policy foundation. Method: The study followed a mixed-methods approach. The literature review outlines relevant literature and material to comprehend human security, civilian crisis management and European foreign policy in general. Five semi-structured interviews were conducted with experts in civilian crisis management to bridge human security to European Union’s missions. Results: Aspects of human security are suggested to be visible in the Common Security and Defence Policy. However, due to the complexity of measuring the impacts and the flexibility of the concept in general a clear yes or no answer cannot be provided. Conclusions: The study provides links between the human security principle and the practices based on the European Union’s policies. Yet, an explicit answer to whether the Kosovo mission has succeeded with respect to the policy goals does not exist.