The CSDP Orientation Course drew to a close in Ohrid, MK on Friday, 13th October 2023.
It was organised under the aegis of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), in cooperation with the Austrian National Defence Academy in Vienna, Military Academy „General Mihailo Apostoloski“ Skopje and RACVIAC.
The aim of the CSDP Orientation Course was to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union, its complex structure and decision-making process, its crisis-management procedures and crisis-response mechanism, and its integrated approach to external conflicts and crises.
Throughout the week the participants engaged in group activities where they interacted and discussed specific topics assigned to them. The Course not only provided an opportunity for knowledge enhancement but was also a useful networking platform for promoting and harmonising cooperation between individuals working in the field of CSDP and sharing different experiences and expertise.
The Course was concluded with a lecture delivered by Mr Riccardo Scalas from the Netherlands National Defence Academy and Closing remarks by H.E. Ambassador Martin Pammer, the Austrian Ambassador to North Macedonia, Skopje. The Ambassador underlined the importance of organising courses under the aegis of the ESDC and stressed that Austria will be providing its full support for them.
The participants who attended the Orientation Course confirm that, difficult times notwithstanding, it is an important tool for European cooperation in the field of CSDP.
RACVIAC would like to thank the Course Director, Ms Sandra Kick from the Austrian National Defence University, as well as the organisers from the Macedonian Military Academy, especifically the Dean and his staff, and all guest speakers and participants.
