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The Political and Security Committee, PSC (sometimes referred to by its French COPS acronym derived from Comité politique et de sécurité) is a permanent body within the European Union dealing with Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) issues, including European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP).^[1]

PSC, which is based in Brussels, consists of ambassadorial level representatives from the EU member states and usually meets twice per week.^[2] It is chaired by the member state that holds the rotating Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The main functions of the PSC are keeping track of the international situation, and helping to define EU policies within the CFSP and ESDP.^[3] PSC sends guidance to, and receives advice from the European Union Military Committee (EUMC) and the Committee for Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM). It is also a forum for dialogue on ESDP matters between the EU Member States.

PSC also drafts opinions for the General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC), which is one of the configurations of the Council of the European Union. CFSP matters are passed to the GAERC via COREPER II.

[edit] History

The creation of the PSC was a result of the Treaty of Amsterdam, after which the establishment of the PSC was agreed in principle in December 1999, at the Helsinki European Council. PSC was first established as an interim body in 2000, but in December 2000, at the Nice European Council it was agreed to make it permanent.^[1] The formal decision to set up the PSC was taken on January 22, 2001, by the Council of the European Union.^[4]

The PSC replaced the previous Political Committee, which met less frequently, and consisted of representatives from the Member States' capitals rather than Brussels-based ambassadors.^[2]

[edit] References

^ ^a ^b Europa glossary: Political and Security Committee (PSC), accessed on April 21, 2008
^ ^a ^b France-Diplomatie: The main bodies specific to the CFSP: The Political and Security Committee, accessed on April 21, 2008
^ The Council of the European Union: ESDP Structures, accessed on April 21, 2008
^ Activities of the European Union: Summaries of Legislation: Political and Security Committee (PSC), accessed on April 21, 2008

[Europa_Glossary_PSC-0] Europa glossary: Political and Security Committee (PSC), accessed on April 21, 2008

[France_MoFA_PSC-1] France-Diplomatie: The main bodies specific to the CFSP: The Political and Security Committee, accessed on April 21, 2008

[2] The Council of the European Union: ESDP Structures, accessed on April 21, 2008

[3] Activities of the European Union: Summaries of Legislation: Political and Security Committee (PSC), accessed on April 21, 2008

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