With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty in December 2009 the European Security and Defence Policy framework has slightly changed.

The European Parliament resolution of 10 March 2010 on the implementation of the European Security Strategy and Common Security and Defence Policy based on the report by MEP Arnaud Danjean, offers a roadmap for the European Institutions on further development of the security and defence policy in the context new provisions provided by the Lisbon Treaty. 
In keeping with the Lisbon Treaty, the European Parliament calls on the other EU institutions to enter into substantial debate on implementation of the following provisions:

• the clause on mutual assistance
• the solidarity clause
• the role of the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, coupled with the establishment of a European External Action Service (EEAS) incorporating, in a comprehensive manner, conflict prevention, civil/military crisis management and peace-building units,
• a broader remit for the CSDP
• permanent structured cooperation
• the establishment of a start-up fund for preparatory activities in the lead-up to operations

EU Member States

Even though Members States tend to disagree on some specific issues, the general comprehensive approach and identified challenges are recognised as universal. There is a high consensus for the need of more actions especially in the field of cyber-security, space exploration, maritime surveillance as well as nuclear proliferation. Additionally, bridging civilian and military capabilities is one of the most frequently debated issues on the senior decision making level.

European Commission

The European Commission has many instruments at its disposal to deal with the security of its citizens. The Stockholm Programme covers most of the home affairs actions, along with justice, fundamental rights and citizenship area actions. With its Action Plan published on 20 April 2010, the European Commission unveiled concrete measures to support political aims of the Stockholm Programme. Most of them cover security challenges in Europe and beyond; the fight against terrorism, fight against crime, cyber security as well as immigration issues. All these challenges can be tackled though  extensive research and development policies. The security agenda is changing and thus it needs innovative solutions.

NATO

NATO Group of Experts, led by its chair Madeleine K. Albright, has published a report, the NATO 2020 New Strategic Concept.  Overall, the report recognises a need for international cooperation and intelligence development which includes security R&D activities. Some of the identified priorities are: reaffirming NATO’s core commitment: collective defence (military capabilities should be backed by intelligence); protecting against unconventional threats (prevent rather than react); establishing guidelines for operations outside Alliance borders (inner institutional/ country exchange); consultations to prevent or manage crises (need for more R&D).

International dimension

International dimension of the Security and Defence Policy is another priority on the current EU ministerial agenda. The EU is consolidating the strategic partnership and constructive cooperation between EU and NATO. The Union’s relationship with the US strives to further develop in the field of peace-building and crisis management.

Thus, there is international acceptance of the need for global solutions to complex security problems. The main security challenges: acts of terrorism, the proliferation of nuclear and other advanced weapons technologies, cyber attacks directed against modern communications systems, the sabotage of energy pipelines still need effective solutions, which pose lots of opportunities for security and defence intelligence analysis and R&D.