CMC Finland’s cooperation bodies in international civilian crisis management
European Union (EU)
The European Union is the central cooperation body in international civilian crisis management for Finland. Finland supports the strengthening of the European Union as a security community and its global presence by means of the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). Finland participates in civilian crisis management operations under the CSDP. In addition, specialists can be sent to the agencies and secretariats of the EU’s special representatives. Operations range from monitoring and training to acting as a substitute for different authorities, such as the police or justice department.
The EU’s civilian crisis management operations
United Nations (UN)
The UN has carried out peacekeeping operations ever since 1948. Most of the UN’s peacekeeping operations extend to civilian crisis management, and the UN’s several programmes and special organisations implement undertakings regarded as civilian crisis management. The overall crisis management strategy highlights the importance of strengthening the UN’s Comprehensive Approach. Finland participates in the UN’s operations through civilian and military resources by supporting the development of the UN’s crisis management structures, including the strengthening of the police and rule of law capacity.
The UN’s peacekeeping operations
Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE)
The OSCE is one of the largest regional security organisations in the world. Its field operations cover not only conflict prevention, but also upholding the principle of the rule of law, democracy and human rights, and safeguarding the position of minority groups. Decisions on the OSCE’s operations are made on a case-by-case basis, considering the current political situation and resources.
OSCE operations
Council of Europe (CoE)
The Council of Europe is the oldest cooperation and human rights organisation in Europe. The basic aim of the CoE is to strengthen human rights and security in Europe by upholding democracy and the rule of law. The CoE coordinates its operations in the field with other organisations, such as the OSCE. From the perspective of civilian crisis management, the CoE is a producer of standards and content for crisis management, rather than being engaged in field operations.
North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Based on the Partnership for Peace, Finland is engaged in cooperation with NATO. The Report on Finnish Foreign and Security Policy states that Finland participates actively in the development of partnership and cooperation programmes that are open for NATO’s partner countries. Finland supports activities aimed at promoting NATO’s stability and reforming defence sectors in NATO’s partner countries and continues to participate in NATO’s civilian and rescue service operations.
NATO’s crisis management operations