A secure Europe in a better world : European security strategy ; Brussels, 12 December 2003

At the December 2003 European Council, EU Heads of State and Government adopted a European Security Strategy, with a view to assisting necessary prioritisation and further elaboration of EU foreign policy activities. The Strategy document identifies the key security challenges facing Europe in the twenty-first century - terrorism, proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, regional conflicts, state failure and organised crime. It explores the EU's strategic objectives in addressing these challenges and the resulting policy implications. It calls for the full spectrum of the EU's instruments to be harnessed to address today's security challenges. This includes military and civilian capabilities for crisis management, as well as diplomatic, trade and development activities.