Due to the ongoing travel restrictions and the COVID-19 pandemic, the course was conducted entirely in virtual format. It consisted firstly of an asynchronous part with documentation and modules available on the ILIAS e-learning platform, where every participant was able to start preparing, and subsequently a synchronous part held on the above dates.
Sixty-three (military and civilian) participants from EU Member States, EU institutions and third countries were introduced to the CSDP, receiving a general initial picture of six main topics relevant for understanding EU policies and present and future challenges. These included the EU Integrated Approach to Conflict and Crisis, EU civilian and military capabilities, EU Missions and Operations, Cooperation with partner organisations and countries, Hybrid and Cyber Threats and EU response & STRATCOM and EU Intelligence.
Despite the virtual structure of the event, the organisers managed to engage with the participants and promote active involvement and discussion, especially using breakout sessions on WebEx. Participants, divided into groups, were able to tackle and prepare presentations on chosen topics, which were used as the basis for discussion with the invited experts. This ‘Participants-Expert Discussion’ proved to be a good option for encouraging interaction among all the attendees as well as with the speakers, limiting the virtual discomfort of not having a face-to-face exchange.
As a new ESDC intern, this CSDP Orientation Course is the first activity I have taken part in, not only as a participant but also in support of the organisation of the course. For example, one of my tasks was creating the breakout rooms in WebEx, ensuring that all participants were able to join their respective groups.
I had the pleasure, throughout the entire week, of listening to a range of experts and EU professionals, who enabled me to better understand the complex structure of the CSDP, in terms of the actors, institutions, missions and operations involved. I also experienced the group sessions, joining a discussion on EU Intelligence with nine other colleagues. These group work sessions were, for me, one of the most stimulating parts of the course, since we all shared our thoughts on the subject, discussed different points of view and collaborated to prepare our presentation for the ‘Participants-Expert Discussion’. I could not be more satisfied with my first experience as an ESDC intern, since I received an insight into the CSDP and many subjects to reflect on.
