EU Concept for Civil-military Co-operation for EU-led Military Operations

8/11/2019 EU Concept for Civil-military Co-operation for EU-led Military Operations

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DG A III E

COUCIL OF

THE EUROPEA UIO

Brussels, 3 February 2009

11716/1/08

REV 1

COSDP 614

DECLASSIFICATIO

of document: 11716/08 RESTREINT UE

dated: 11 July 2008

new classification: none

Subject: EU Concept for Civil-Military Co-operation(CIMIC) for EU-led

Military Operations

Delegations will find attached the declassified version of the above document.

The text of this document is identical to the previous version.

________________________


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COUCIL OFTHE EUROPEA UIO

MILITARY STAFF

Brussels, 11 July 2008

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RESTREIT UE

ESDP/PESDCOSDP 614

OTE

From: European Union Military Staff

To: European Union Military Committee

No. Prev. doc: EUMC Mtg Doc. 37/08

Subject: EU Concept for Civil-Military Co-operation(CIMIC) for EU-led Military

Operations

Delegations will find attached the EU Concept for Civil-Military Co-operation(CIMIC) for EU-led

Military Operations, which was agreed by the EUMC on 10 July 2008.

________________________


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EU COCEPT FOR CIVIL-MILITARY CO-OPERATIO (CIMIC)

FOR EU-LED MILITARY OPERATIOS


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TABLE OF COTETS

TABLE OF CONTENTS .....................................................................................................................3

REFERENCES.....................................................................................................................................4

A. INTRODUCTION ......................................................................................................................5

B. AIM.............................................................................................................................................6

C. SCOPE........................................................................................................................................6

D. CHARACTERISTICS OF CIMIC .............................................................................................7

E. CIMIC DEFINITION .................................................................................................................8

F. CIMIC CORE FUNCTIONS......................................................................................................8

G. CIMIC-ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES IN EU-LED MILITARY OPERATIONS...................11

H. CIMIC GUIDING PRINCIPLES .............................................................................................13

I. CIMIC TASKS .........................................................................................................................17

J. CIMIC STRUCTURES & RESPONSIBILITIES ....................................................................22

K. CIVIL ORGANISATIONS ......................................................................................................25


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REFERECES

A EU Concept for Military Command and Control (Doc. 10687/08, dated 16

June 2008).

B EU Concept for Military Planning at the Political and Strategic Level (Doc.

10687/08, dated 16 June 2008).

C Civil-Military Co-ordination (CMCO): Possible Solutions for theManagement of EU Crisis Management Operations - Improving

Information Sharing in Support of EU Crisis Management Operations

(Doc. 13218/5/06, dated 31 October 2006).

D Civil Military Co-ordination (CMCO) (Doc. 14457/03, dated 7 November

2003).

E NATO Military Policy on Civil-Military Co-operation - (NATO Doc. MC

411/1, dated 17 July 2001).

F NATO Civil-Military Co-operation (CIMIC) Doctrine - Allied Joint

Publication-9 (NATO Doc. AJP-9, dated June 2003).

G Guidelines on the Use of Military and Civil Defence Assets to Support UN

Humanitarian Activities in Complex Emergencies (March 2003).

H Guidelines on the Use of Foreign Military and Civil Defence Assets in

Disaster Relief. (Oslo Guidelines Rev 1.1, dated November 2007).

I The European Consensus on Humanitarian Aid, signed 18 December 2007.

J EU Concept for Military Information Operations (Doc. 6917/08, dated 25

February 2008).

K Host Nation Support Concept (Doc.10603/06, dated 15 June 2006).

L Mainstreaming Human Rights and Gender into European Security and

Defence Policy-Compilation of relevant documents (Doc. 11359/07, dated

29 June 2007).


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A. ITRODUCTIO

1.

The development of the European Union Security and Defence Policy (ESDP), through the

addition of the military dimension, a police component and other civilian aspects, has

enhanced the EU's crisis response options. An effective response to a crisis may require the

employment of this range of civilian and military instruments in a comprehensive, coherent

and co-ordinated manner.

2.

The increasing potential for EU-led operations in already complex environments and the need

to co-operate with the external civil actors1operating within the same area underpin the

requirement for a CIMIC capability.

3. Co-operation with civilians may be a central part of a military operation, as in the case of

humanitarian or rescue tasks, but will vary for different types of operations. The context of

CIMIC will also change as the operations develop, ranging from maintaining the

commander's freedom of action within the operations area to assisting in shaping the

operations area to the mutual benefit of both military and external civil actors. This enables

the commander to play more effectively his part in any complex multi-functional operation.

(Refs. A & B). Military forces may be partially dependent on civilian institutions and the

population for resources, information and even security. Failure to establish and maintain

sound co-operation and co-ordination may have a detrimental impact on any EU-led military

operation.

4. Within EU, CIMIC must not be confused with Civil-Military Co-ordination (CMCO). CIMIC

covers the co-operation and coordination, as appropriate, between the EU military force and

independent external civil organisations and actors (International Organisations (IOs), Non-

Governmental Organisations (NGOs), local authorities and populations).

1 Throughout the text, the term "external" civil actors refers to actors not belonging to the EUinstitutions or MS.


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In contrast, CMCO covers internal EU co-ordination of the EU's own civil and military crisis

management instruments, executed under the responsibility of the Council. (Refs. C & D).

Certainly, in EU-led military operations, CIMIC will also take into account and possibly play

a role in the overall EU co-ordination of crisis management instruments and EU military

forces may be authorised to assist EU civil bodies in the execution of tasks in support of

independent organisations or populations.

5. This concept is compatible and consistent with NATO CIMIC policies, concepts and doctrine.

(Refs. E & F).

B. AIM

6.

This concept establishes the basis and framework for the planning and execution of joint and

multinational CIMIC activities.

C. SCOPE

7. This concept describes CIMIC in EU-led military operations and guides the preparation,

planning and execution of CIMIC-related activities, taking into account the operational

requirements in conflict prevention and crisis management. In addition, the concept may

provide guidance on CIMIC to MS and to appropriate military Headquarters (HQ) for EU-led

military operations.

8.

Furthermore, the concept allows for establishing situation-dependent CIMIC structures, which

would, from a very early stage, enable MS and relevant (internal and external) civilian

institutions and organisations to contribute actively to the CIMIC planning process. In

addition, it will facilitate the inclusion of military inputs to co-ordinated civil and military

planning at all levels, reducing the risk of divergent planning in capitals, civilian organisationsand at EU HQ.

9.

The principles and policies set out in this document apply whenever an EU-led military

operation is envisaged and/or executed. They provide sufficient flexibility for close co-

operation with the UN(in the framework of UN Civil-Military Co-ordination, refs. G & H),


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OSCE, NATO and other relevant civil organisations and for Third States1participating in an

EU-led military operation.

D. CHARACTERISTICS OF CIMIC

10. The purpose of CIMIC in EU-led military operations is to establish and maintain the co-

operation between the military components and any external civilian actors in theatre,

including IOs and/or NGOs. Also CIMIC, as an operational function, will establish and

maintain the co-operation with the civilian authorities and populations within the

commander's Area of Operations (AOO), in order to create the best possible moral, material,

operational and tactical conditions for achievement of the mission's purpose. CIMIC also

supports and facilitates the sustainment of conditions that will support the achievement of

lasting solutions to the crisis.

11. In operational terms, CIMIC elements of the EU military force act as an interface between the

military components of an EU-led military operation and any externalcivilian actor. CIMIC

does not imply the execution of functions which may rely on external actors. However, close

co-ordination of such functions is a pre-condition for an effective CIMIC contribution to EU-

led military operations. This co-ordination is further elaborated in Section H.

12. CIMIC implies neither military control of external civilian organisations or agencies nor the

reverse. It recognises that:

a. The military force in an EU-led military operation will be deployed to conduct a

military mission and, if mandated, to support the appropriate civil authority for the

implementation of civil-related tasks, or to support humanitarian activities, if requested

by humanitarian actors. The execution of civil-related tasks should be clearly identified

in the Council mandate and subsequently incorporated into the mission of the EU

military force as support to the appropriate external civilian agencies.

b. In exceptional circumstances, however, the military force may be required to carry out

tasks which are normally the task of a mandated civil authority, organisation or agency.

1 Those Statescould include inter alianon-EU European NATO members or those countrieswhich are candidates for accession to the EU.


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These tasks should only be executed when authorised in the Operation Plan (OPLAN)

and when the appropriate civil body is not present or is unable to carry out its mandate

and if an unacceptable vacuum would otherwise arise. The military force should be

prepared to undertake these tasks when requested by the recognised civil authority, until

assumed by the mandated civil authority, organisation or agency.

13. CIMIC is an important factor to enhance the effectiveness of an EU-led military operation.

The operational environment, the adequacy and stability of civil infrastructure as well as the

level of support and co-operation of the host nation and the local population will determine

the extent of the civil-military interface required.

14. CIMIC is an integral part of the military planning process and is therefore a strand of the

overall planning, although the precise content and the relative importance of CIMIC will

depend on the type of mission. CIMIC is therefore also a responsibility of the political

strategic level that must provide guidelines for CIMIC-related tasks at subordinate levels. In

order to maximize the support that CIMIC can provide to a mission, the earliest possible

deployment of CIMIC elements should be considered during the planning and execution

phase of each EU-led military operation.

E. CIMIC DEFIITIO

15.

Civil-Military Co-operation (CIMIC) is the co-ordination and co-operation at all levels -

between military components of EU-led military operations and civil actors external to the

EU, including the local population and authorities, as well as international, national and non-

governmental organisations and agencies - in support of the achievement of the military

mission along with all other military functions.

F.

CIMIC CORE FUCTIOS

16. General

The CIMIC core functions are grouped into three broad areas: Civil-Military Liaison (CML),

Support to the Civil Environment (SCE) and Support To the military Force (STF). These

functions are executed at all levels, although their intensity may vary from one level to the

other, depending on the scope, scale and nature of the mission.


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17.

Civil-Military Liaison

a.

CML is the liaison at all levels between EU military forces and civil actors external to the

EU (including IOs, NGOs, local authorities and the civil population) in support of the

mission. In particular, CML facilitates the build-up of the situational awareness of the

military commander and improves mutual understanding.

b.

The aim of CML is to create and sustain a relationship between EU military forces for

CMO and the civil environment, for the advanced preparation, planning and conduct of

such an operation. This liaison should be created at all appropriate levels. Its intensity will

depend on the envisaged involvement with external civil organisations.

c.

Although CML is a fundamental part of the other core CIMIC functions, it can be anindependent activity with its own purpose and aim, namely to create and sustain

permanent relationships with relevant civilian actors.

18. Support to the Military Force

a. Military commanders for EU-led military operations might require civilian support within

their respective area of responsibilities. The EU military force may be even partially

dependent on the civil society for resources and information, and may rely on the civil

authorities to provide security in certain areas. Regardless of the physical support

required, military authorities for EU-led military operations will also seek more abstract,

but equally important, civil support by encouraging the population to perceive the

legitimacy of the EU-led military operation and that its actions are in the best interest of

the population.

b.

CIMIC facilitates the support to the military force in EU-led military operations other than

in the field of logistics and HNS. STF covers arrangements and activities needed to ensure

the maximum co-operation of the civil authorities, organisations and populations in

meeting the commander's requirements for supporting the mission of the military force

and sustaining its presence in a crisis situation.

c. CIMIC provides situational awareness of the "Civil-Situation" including the overall

situation of the civil population. It contributes to the military assessment regardingmilitary impact on the civilian environment and vice versa.


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19. Support to the Civil Environment

a. SCE could cover a wide range of military arrangements, resources or activities, to support,

in the context of the overall EU role, a civil authority or organization in the execution of

its tasks; or to sustain the basic humanitarian needs of a civil population. However, unless

otherwise specifically provided in the mandate, military forces should only be used to

support humanitarian activities in exceptional circumstances upon the request by

humanitarian actors and as a last resort, i.e. where there is no comparable civilian

alternative and only the use of military assets, that are unique in capability and

availability, can meet a critical humanitarian need. In certain circumstances, this support

may fall under the overall responsibility of mandated civil authorities. Any military

activities conducted in SCE must be included in the military mission or mandate and

agreed with the appropriate civil authority.

b. SCE can cover CIMIC activity ranging from arrangements to ensure exchange of

information to infrastructure repair and reconstruction, bearing in mind Military and Civil

Defence Assets (MCDA) guidelines (Refs.G & H). It might encompass a wide range of

military resources: information, personnel, material, equipment, communication facilities,

specialist expertise or training. In the case of a humanitarian crisis, it will usually be

employed in direct support of civilian aid agencies. The use of available military resources

should reflect the type and main characteristics of the operation and be based on situation

analysis, including the capabilities and needs of the civil agencies present in the AOO and

the identified shortfalls of the civilian actors. Military components may become

responsible, if mandated, for the delivery and support of humanitarian aid, when aid

agencies request assistance and are unable to carry out specific tasks. (Ref. I).

c.

SCE may include operations to support public services and the environment, economic

and trade support activities, development of aid projects and activities to support IOs,

NGOs, civil authorities and organisations.

d.

Decisions on the depth, duration and extent of SCE should be made at the Political and

Strategic level, taking into account political, civil and military factors.


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G. CIMIC ASSOCIATED ACTIVITIES I EU-LED MILITARY OPERATIOS

20. There are a number of associated activities, which, although different, are closely linked with

CIMIC. Principal among these are:

a. Civil Emergency Planning (CEP)

CEP is a national (host nation) civil responsibility. Its planning parameters can vary

from country to country. During the crisis management process, CIMIC facilitates,

within security constraints, the co-ordinationof military plans with existing or

developing CEP plans. CEP might affect freedom of movement and actions, and the

military plan must take into account the need to protect the civil population, as well as

the need to maintain vital functions in the society. It is thus essential that CIMICelements establish links with the relevant CEP agencies and determine how planned and

implemented CEP measures will affect EU military operations.

b.

EU Military Information Operations (EU Mil Info Ops) (Ref. J)

(1) CIMIC activities can directly contribute to establish and build confidence in the

EU-led military operations gaining the trust and support of the local population.

Due to this direct relationship with the local population, CIMIC and EU Mil Info

Ops must maintain a permanent and close relationship.

(2)

CIMIC and EU Mil Info Ops must also work closely to co-ordinate information

activities, as appropriate, with the IOs (in particular the UN) and NGOs present in

the AOO.

(3) Planning of CIMIC actions will need to consider the expected influence on

information campaigns. Conversely, EU Mil Info Ops planning will take into

account CIMIC activities in Information Campaign planning.

c. Host Nation Support (HNS)

(1) HNS is civil and military assistance rendered by a Host Nation (HN) to EU

military forces which are located on, operating in, or transiting through the HN's

territory (Ref. K).


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It seeks to provide support in the form of equipment, facilities and services,

including area security and administrative support in accordance with concluded

HNS arrangements between the EU force and/or TCNs and a HN. HNS facilitates

the introduction of EU military forces into an AOO by providing essential

reception, staging and onward movement support. HNS could reduce the amount

of (logistic) forces and equipment required for sustaining and redeploying the

military forces.

(2) Reaching HNS agreements is not a CIMIC task. Nevertheless, in some

circumstances, CIMIC may play a role by providing co-ordination and liaison with

local authorities to assist in making the necessary civil resources available.

Additionally, CIMIC will help to ensure a balance between the use of resources by

EU military forces, local populations and external civil actors, with a view to

avoiding unnecessary civilian hardship. Consequently close co-ordination between

the CIMIC and HNS elements of the EU military force is required.

d. Contracting

(1) Contracting is the commercial acquisition of materials and civil services for the

forces in support of an EU-led military operation.

(2)

Local contracting can be supported or, in certain circumstances, may be performed

by CIMIC elements.

e. Medical Support

(1)

Medical support encompasses the full range of medical planning and provision of

medical health services to maintain the force strength through disease prevention,evacuation, rapid treatment of the diseases, injured and wounded.

(2)

Medical staff may provide medical assistance, within means and capabilities, to

the local population (taking into account the capabilities of local medical and

health services for any necessary follow-up treatment), and after co-ordination

with IOs and NGOs in theatre.


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(3)

If requested, medical staff can give advice to the civil community on the co-

ordination and implementation of different medical projects promoted by CIMIC

elements, IOs or NGOs, in the area of health care. Such advice will take into

consideration the potential duplication of effort and the priority requirements of

the projects.

f. Management of civil resources

(1) CIMIC elements can contribute to the co-ordination and liaison in theatre to make

civil resources available and to ensure a balanced use of resources by the military

force, the local population, IOs and NGOs.

(2)

Even where a humanitarian crisis is absent, the introduction of a large militaryforce can reduce the available civil resources to the point where it could cause

hardship among the civilian population. It is a CIMIC task to perform a thorough

assessment of the availability of civil resources. It may also be necessary, if

requested by the local authorities, to support the civil authorities in the

management of civil resources to ensure that there are sufficient resources

available to meet both civil and military needs. In extreme cases, it may be

necessary to ration critical scarce local commodities. In this case, it will be a

CIMIC task to monitor the distribution of relevant supplies.

H. CIMIC GUIDIG PRICIPLES

21. Guiding principles governing the military direction of CIMIC.

CIMIC should be fully integrated in the objectives of the commander for any EU-led military

operation. The principles governing the military direction of CIMIC guide the militaryplanning for EU-led military operations and regulate the execution of CIMIC plans.

a.

Mission primacy

The mandate and the resulting mission of any EU-led military operation take priority in all

circumstances. If in exceptional circumstances however, additional CIMIC-related tasks

are to be assumed, this should be done after the prioritisation of the military tasks and an

assessment of the necessary resources in co-ordination with civilian agencies has been

conducted.


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b. Command direction

The direction of CIMIC-related activities in EU-led military operations is a normal

command responsibility of the military commanders at all levels. They should be

continuously aware of the impact of military operations on the civil environment and the

impact of the civil environment on their operations. They must also be able to prioritise

and direct CIMIC activities in such a way that military effectiveness is maintained without

adding unnecessarily to civil hardship or compromising civil objectives.

c. Economy and balance

(1)

Civil organisations are best suited to perform civilian tasks. If however, EU military

forces are needed to perform civil-related tasks in support of the civil environment,

only the minimum required military resources should be used, since military

resources might not always be available and are limited, and since care must be

taken to preserve the military capability. The commanders will judge the

importance of these considerations with respect to achieving the mission.

(2)

For that same reason, the creation of long-term civilian dependence on EU military

resources must be avoided. Once provided, withdrawal or reduction of resources

could be difficult as it may strain civil-military relations, retard the growth of civil

authority and may cause lasting damage to public confidence in the EU-led military

operation.

d. Concentration

Military assets and capabilities available for CIMIC activities are likely to be limited.

Therefore they should be concentrated on tasks of the highest priority as dictated by the

mandate and/or mission. The decision concerning the prioritisation of CIMIC assets needs

to be closely co-ordinated with the participating States in the EU-led military operation.

e. Legal obligations and humanitarian considerations

(1) In accordance with the EU Use of Force Concept, EU military forces and HQs have

a legal responsibility to comply with all relevant international agreements relating

to the law of armed conflict and human rights, when applicable. They should seek,

within the constraints of the mandate or mission, to support and to reduce the effect


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of military operations on non-combatants. This is fundamental to consolidate

mission legitimacy. The use of military force, with few exceptions, entails human

suffering which should be relieved whenever possible and wherever it is found.

Human rights of individuals and groups must be respected and protected in

compliance with international law. In addition, the gender perspective and the

children protection issue should be mainstreamed into all CIMIC-related activities

in accordance in particular with ref. L.

(2) CIMIC has an important advisory, educational and information role in all aspects

related to the civil environment.

22. Guiding principles governing the civil-military relationship

a. Co-ordinated civil and military CIMIC planning

(1) As military and civilian activities in the AOO will affect each other,the

appropriate external civil organisations should, within the limits of security, be

involved as early as possible in the preparation, planning and execution of CIMIC

activities and vice versa.

(2) Co-ordinated civil and military CIMIC planning could be preceded by joint pre-

mission reconnaissance and assessment, for instance, in an EU Fact Finding

Mission. This would allow early co-ordination with the in-theatre civil authorities

and organisations.

b.

Mutual support

(1) During any EU-led military operation, it is paramount that co-ordination should

take place with the IOs, GOs and NGOs, where and when appropriate, to improve

the interface with their local representatives and the local population. Civilian

organisations can be a valuable source of knowledge and expertise, especially

when the military formation is tasked to perform civil-related tasks. In addition,

civilian sources may often provide information on the civil situation, which can

influence the planning and execution of the EU-led military operation. However,

CIMIC elements must not be deliberately used for intelligence gathering.


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(2) The EU military force may support the civil environment by the provision of

scarce resources and services (logistic support, transport etc.) and/or by creating a

secure environment for the civil actions. These resources and services may,

however, not always be available and might be limited in terms of quantity,

quality and time.

c. Common goals

Whenever possible, common goals, to achieve unity of effort in response to a

developing crisis, should be established, recognised and integrated into the EU military

plans. In order to achieve this, a close link to the appropriate civilian agencies and

organisations should be established on all levels of command.

d. Shared responsibility

The ethos, structure and working practices of the external civil organisations with which

military forces in EU-led military operations must co-operate are extremely diverse. An

agreed sharing of responsibilities is the condition for a durable and mutually-beneficial

relationship to be established and maintained.

e. Transparency

(1) Successful CIMIC activities require mutual trust and confidence. CIMIC in all

its aspects should be transparent, demonstrating competence, capability and

resolve in order to win the trust and confidence of the civil environment. The

possible tension between the civil and military might lead to confusion and

misunderstanding at times, being potentially aggravated by perceived political

bias, media inaccuracy or distortion and poor communication. Transparency is

vital in preventing and defusing such potentially volatile situations, because it

instils trusts, increases confidence and encourages mutual understanding.

(2) CIMIC elements will be valuable sources of information and will be advocates

of the military cause, but they will rapidly become ineffective as such if

deliberately used for intelligence gathering.


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(3) It must be recognised that military information cannot always be shared with

civilians. On the other hand, such information could allow civil organisations

to adapt themselves to the developing situation and thereby enhance the overall

effectiveness of the CIMIC effort. Appropriate information sharing is therefore

to be actively pursued.

f. Consent

Although not ultimately necessary, every effort should be made to secure the willing

consent of external civilian organisations and local populations with which the EU

military force is dealing.

g.

Communication

Effective communication with civil authorities, external organisations and populations

is vital to maintaining consent and co-operation. Civilian organisations, with which the

EU military force is expected to interact, will to a large extent, preserve their own

priorities. Indeed, some may take the view that co-operation with the military forces and

their own independence is mutually exclusive. The key to minimise these difficulties is

to maintain open and constant communication.

h. Cultural awareness

Sustained sensitivity and knowledge of local customs, mores, history, monuments,

social structures, cultures and ways of life is of fundamental importance to EU-led

military operations.

I.

CIMIC TASKS

23. General

a. CIMIC covers a wide range of tasks throughout the different phases of the EU crisis

management process.

b. Specific CIMIC tasks can be executed in several phases of this process and at different

levels, although the intensity and function will depend on the respective phase, leveland the envisaged civil counterpart.


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24.

CIMIC tasks

a.

Planning

(1)

The impact of factors relating to the civil dimension of an EU-led military

operation should be assessed during the routine phase and throughout the entire

crisis management process. CIMIC planning for EU-led military operations at the

various levels should be coherent and interdependent. As part of the overall EU

military planning process, it is defined as a co-operative external civil-military

venture, aimed at selecting and implementing a coherent course of action, which

will support the achievement of the EU-led military operation objectives and the

desired end-state.

(2) Planning related tasks include the development and maintenance of conceptual,

planning and procedural CIMIC documents:

(a) CIMIC concept.

(b) CIMIC Supporting Plans (SUPLAN), SOP and directives,as appropriate.

b. Advice

CIMIC elementshave an important advisory role during each phase of the crisis

management process. CIMIC elements at all levels will offer clear advice on appropriate

actions to ensure constructive civil-military co-operation and advice on how an EU-led

military operation and the civilian population and institutions will affect each other.

c. Education and Training

CIMIC elements are responsible for the production of information to ensure that EU

military planners and military forces in EU-led military operations are prepared with a

background knowledge of the civil-military environment.

d.

Communication

Effective co-operation between the civil and military is only possible if there is constant

communication at all levels. A pro-active relationship between civil and military

counterparts should be established, maintained and improved where possible.


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e.

Information exchange

CIMIC provides up-to-date information on civilian organisations in general and

specifically for those in the AOO. Civilian sources will often provide additional

information of military relevance. Conversely, CIMIC can be used, within security

limitations, to provide civilian organisations with similar information on the military

organisation and, in the event of a crisis, of its planned operations.

f. Co-ordination

(1) Given differing mandates, cultures and perceptions, there will be a permanent

requirement to co-ordinate activities to ensure long-term goals are achieved. CIMIC

supports the commander's function to promote co-ordination of activity between the

EU force and the external civil organisations, local population and authorities.

(2) Co-ordination of external civil and military activities will help to achieve a greater

external civil-military unity of effort, prevent duplication and redundant CIMIC

activities and conserve valuable resources. Although not always feasible, common

and properly co-ordinated civil-military concepts, guidance, SOP and compatible

structures should be sought.

(3) If feasible, the geographical areas of responsibility of the military force in EU-led

military operations and key civil organisations should coincide. Common

boundaries will facilitate a better common analysis and understanding of the

situation and so drive more appropriate CIMIC activities. If possible and within

security constraints, military HQ for EU-led military operations or command

elements should be located together with or near to key civil authorities or HQ.

(4) Inter-agency meetings further enhance mutual efforts of the EU military force and

civil actors.

(5)

The exchange of liaison officers between the EU military forces and key civil

organisations enhances communication, allows rapid dissemination of information

and establishes a focal point for enquiries.


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g. Arrangements

CIMIC elementscan support the drafting of arrangements covering other military aspects

(Memorandum Of Understandings (MOUs), technical arrangements, etc) in order to

underpin the civil-military co-operation rationale.

h.

Transition and termination activities

(1)

Transition is the process that leads to the conclusion of the EU-led military

operation. It aims at a smooth and seamless handover of civil-related activities to

the proper, mandated authorities. The number of civil-related tasks undertaken by

the military force will have an effect on the transition of these tasks to theappropriate civil authority.

(2) As appropriate, CIMIC elements will assist the appointed civil authorities. As the

military reduces in numbers and in the scope of its responsibilities, CIMIC

elementswill continue to assist in the transfer of civil-related tasks executed by the

military force to the appropriate civil authority. CIMIC functions that are no longer

necessary due to the gradual stabilisation of the crisis area will cease.

(3) Finally, CIMIC input to the "Lessons learned" process is required during all phases

of EU-led military operations.

i. Assessment

Continuous assessment of all aspects of the theatre civil environment is a key role of

CIMIC. It is the synthesis of information on the crisis area, analysed for specific CIMIC

application, that will form the basis upon which the requirement for, and execution of,

additional CIMIC tasks and any civil-military activities will be determined. Such

assessments shall also form the basis of CIMIC advice given to the commander for EU-

led military operations.


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j.

Implied tasks

Based on the decisions taken by the Council on the mandate and the mission of the EU

military force, the execution of the CIMIC tasks may include:

(1) Provision of services or facilities to meet immediate life sustaining needs of the

population (subject to the proviso that no civilian organisation is able to meet those

needs and in co-ordination with them).

(2) Monitoring, evaluation, analysis and review of implemented CIMIC tasks to

determine and enhance their efficiency and effectiveness and to ensure that CIMIC

objectives are met. This is especially important when HNS is limited or non-

existent and when the international community assumes functions of government.

(3)

Close co-ordination with the medical staff and coordination of medical assistance to

the local population (subject to the proviso that no civilian organisation is able to

meet those needs and in co-ordination with them).

(4) Monitoring and control of CIMIC activities, especially those where local

contractors are involved.

(5) Harmonisation of civil and military tasks performed in theatre where possible.

(6)

Provision of expertise to the commander.

(7) Liaison and contacts with non-EU civilian actors.

(8)

Relations with civilian resource and service providers.

(9)

CIMIC reports and updates.


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J. CIMIC STRUCTURES & RESPOSIBILITIES

25.

Permanent CIMIC structures

European Union Military Staff (EUMS)

a. The EUMS develops and co-ordinates CIMIC tasks at the Political and Strategic level.

b. Responsibilities

(1) General

(a) Initiate the development of concepts and procedures in the field of CIMIC.

(b) Support and participate, as directed, in the development of CMCO.

(c) Co-ordinate and liaise with relevant external civil organisations regarding

CIMIC.

(2) Crisis

(a) Introduce CIMIC aspects into EU crisis response planning as appropriate.

(b) Consult on CIMIC aspects with EU MS, Third States, potential HNs and

relevant external civil organisations and authorities.

(c) Liaise with the EU OHQ on CIMIC issues.

26. CIMIC structures activated for a given EU-led military operation

a. Preliminary remarks

(1)

Supporting CIMIC structures should be flexible and simple and shall be tailored

for each operation. They can be activated, deactivated, adapted and/or omitted in

accordance with actual needs. In addition, CIMIC should be embedded within

the respective staff structures in such a way that it will meet the actual

operational requirements with maximum efficiency.

(2) Typically, EU-led military operations will start later than political, humanitarian

and other efforts. Consequently, civilian structures or commissions which

provide co-operation and co-ordination services might already exist. The EU

military force should liaise with these structures and, after due consultation,

decide whether additional CIMIC structures are required.


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(3) In general, the required CIMIC assets for an EU-led military operation will be

developed by a force generation process. However, if appropriate, an EU MS

may assume the responsibility of being the CIMIC Lead Nation.

b. CIMIC elements at the OHQ level

The EU Operation Commander (OpCdr) is the overall authority for the execution of

CIMIC in the operation. Under his authority and in close co-ordination with the other

Staff elements, OHQ CIMIC Staff elements will be tasked to:

(1) Prepare the CIMIC input for developing the OPLAN, including any necessary

specific CIMIC sections.

(2) Develop CIMIC tasks and responsibilities for the Force and Component

Commanders.

(3)

Co-ordinate the use of CIMIC capabilities made available by national authorities

for shared or co-operative use.

(4) Act as the primary point of contact for co-ordinating civilian and military activity

at the OHQ level.

(5) Monitor the overall CIMIC situation and provide relevant information to the

military and civilian actors involved in the crisis.

(6)

Liaise with the EUMS.

c. CIMIC elements at the FHQ level

Once the Force Commander (FCdr) has been appointed, in addition to the FHQ staff

element, supporting CIMIC structures can be activated under his authority in order to

execute the FHQ CIMIC tasks. These structures may include a CIMIC Group, CIMIC

Task Force, CIMIC Centres or any other CIMIC elements that are deemed necessary for

the successful achievement of the military mission.


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d.

CIMIC elements at Component Commander level

CIMIC resources will usually be placed under the operational control of the Land

Component Commander. The delegation of CIMIC responsibilities to the Land

Component Commander should be specified in the Operation Plan (OPLAN).

e. CIMIC elements in tactical formations or units

Subordinate formations or units must create and maintain a CIMIC capability to allow

the execution of the assigned CIMIC tasks.

f. CIMIC Centres

(1)

CIMIC Centres will be created as necessary, under the overall responsibility of the

FCdr. They are organised at the required levels in the AOO depending on the

situation and are usually located outside military installations.

(2) A CIMIC Centre is a capability, which facilitates the access and coordination

between the EU military force and the local authorities, civil population, IOs and

NGOs where an EU military force is deployed. It may be composed of military

and/or civilian representatives from different agencies.

(3) A CIMIC Centre is neither a military organisation nor a decision-making

authority but has an important role in familiarising civilian actors and the local

population with the mandate, comportment, rules and procedures of an EU

military force. If appropriate, and unless security conditions dictate otherwise, a

CIMIC Centre could be collocated with an existing civilian co-ordinating

structure in order to ensure greater harmonisation of EU CIMIC plans and projects

with all other relevant civilian organisations.

(4) The OpCdr may decide to create a special CIMIC centre at OHQ level with

specific tasks and responsibilities.


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(5) Responsibilities

(a) Provide initial points of contact and liaison to facilitate harmonisation of

military and civil agencies activities.

(b) Promote transparency of the military operation among involved parties,

through briefings, meetings, and media contacts within security restraints.

(c)

Provide information on issues dealing with freedom of movement, CIMIC

plans and projects, the general situation in the concerned area, the military

activities and security aspects.

(d)

Advise on the availability and mechanisms of military assistance to civil

organisations.

K. CIVIL ORGAISATIOS

27.

General

a.

Civil organisations are responsible for a wide range of activities including humanitarian

aid, human rights, protection of minorities, refugees and displaced persons, legal

assistance, medical care, reconstruction, agriculture, education, arts, sciences and general

project funding. They are numerous and sophisticated and may be present in any potential

theatre of operations. They generally remain strongly independent from political control in

order to preserve their autonomy and effectiveness. In many cases their impartiality can be

of crucial importance in rebuilding relations when political dialogue has broken down.

Their personnel are normally highly professional in their field, well-motivated andprepared to take physical risks in difficult conditions.

b. It is critical that CIMIC elements fully understand the mandate, role, structure, methods

and principles of these organisations in order to establish effective relations with them. It

is also the task of CIMIC elements in EU-led military operations to explain internally

such information in order to avoid misunderstandings that could undermine or strain

relations.


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c.

Most civil organisations have a clear and defined role based on their charter, experience

and capability. An important CIMIC function is to identify the role of each of them in

order to avoid duplication or gaps. When close co-operation with civil organisations is

authorised, a unity of effort should be a key aim, provided that the military mission is

safeguarded at all times.

28. Types of Civil Organisations

a. International Organisations (IOs)

(1) IOs, such as the various UN agencies and the OSCE, are established by

intergovernmental agreements and operate at the international level.

(2) Among IOs, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) enjoys a

distinct status. The ICRC is an impartial, neutral and independent organisation

whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of

victims of war and armed conflict and to provide them with assistance. It

complements the international relief activities conducted by the International

Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies in situations of conflict and

their aftermath.

b. Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs)

(1) Within a CIMIC context, NGOs are normally voluntary and non-profit

organisations. Functionally, they are independent of government and commercial

interests but may occasionally be provided with some financial support by them.

(2)

The legal personality of an NGO is different from that of an IO, or UN agency, in

that its charter and mission are not the products of an intergovernmental process

but are created privately.

(3)

A HN will usually register NGOs before authorising them to operate within the

country. Furthermore, depending on circumstances, some NGOs may be given a

particular mandate or accorded a special status by the HN or another relevant

authority.


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c.

International and National Government Development Agencies/Organisations

These agencies have specific responsibilities for the funding, monitoring and evaluation of

development programmes and normally operate with long-term perspectives.

29. CIMIC Engagement with Civil Organisations

a.

Given the vast range of civil organisations, it is practically impossible to co-operate

with each of them. Therefore, co-operation with a selection of the most relevant external

civil organisations is normally required.

b. As a general guide, the following factors may be considered to identify those

organisations with whom the EU military force should focus its co-operation:

(1)

Administrative and financial management capacity.

(2) Technical and logistical capacity in relation to the operation.

(3) Experience in the theatre or type of crisis.

(4) Results of previous operations carried out by the organisation.

(5)

Impartiality.

c. If appropriate and depending on circumstances, political guidance may direct specific

cooperation with external organisations (e.g. UN, AU, ICRC, ICC). However, at all

times, commanders retain the faculty to engage other civil organisations as necessary.

Documents

EU Concept for Civil-military Co-operation for EU-led Military Operations