Announcement
The European Doctoral School on the CSDP is launching its annual Call for PHD Fellows applications. PhD candidates interested in accessing a wide range of academic, scientific and practical expertise and specialised training opportunities on the CSDP are invited to apply by submitting to the ESDC’s Secretariat an application form and the documents referred in the respective checklist. One needs to fill in the Application Form, the Application checklist (and to include all required documents) and send it to esdc-docschool@eeas.europa.eu (the email should have as subject DocSchool_APP_name.surname). The applications can be submitted until 31 July 2024.
A. About the Initiative
The European Doctoral School on the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) is an initiative launched in 2017 by volunteer institutions and the European Security and Defence College to develop a range of training and provide support for doctoral research on the CSDP in the EU.
Its objective is to develop a critical mass of scientific and academic expertise that brings together supervisors and mentors and promotes the exchange of knowledge, skills and competences on European security and defence with a view to providing support for PhD level research reflecting on the CSDP.
It offers a specialized training program supplementary to the courses organized by its network institutions in their doctoral curricula and supports multi-disciplinary doctoral researches with relevant European training and environments in the following areas:
B. Governance
It is steered by a Working Group coordinated by the ESDC. All the member institutions and the associate members that have committed themselves to the principles set out in the European Doctoral School’s Charter are represented in this Working Group.
Configuration Support
Prof. Dr. Foteini Asderaki
She is a Professor of European Integration and a Jean Monnet Chair on European Union’s Education, Training, Research and Innovation Policies, Vice Chair of the Department of International and European Studies, and Director of the Msc in International and European Studies, University of Piraeus, Greece. She holds a PhD with distinction in Political Sciences issued by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. She is the director of the Laboratory on Education Policy, Research, Development, and Interuniversity Cooperation. She has served as a Board member and Vice Chair of the Steering Committee for the Group I-Western Europe and North America at the International Bureau of Education, Unesco, Geneva, 2016-17, as a Bologna Follow-Up Group Member 2004-09 and as a member of various European, and national committees in education. She has been the academic coordinator of several European programmes including the European Parliament School Ambassador Programme in Greece.
Dr. Laurențiu Giurea
Laurențiu Giurea is a professional with experience in law enforcement training, higher education, and international cooperation.
Currently he is serving as the Doctoral School Coordinator at the European Security and Defense College (ESDC). His role demands active engagement with multilateral, regional, and bilateral partners, as well as civil society and academia, to identify best practices and gaps in training and education for CSDP.
In his current role at ESDC, he plays a pivotal role in organizing and managing doctoral seminars, workshops, and conferences, fostering an environment of academic excellence and innovation.
DOCTORAL SCHOOL ALUMNI CORNER
Captain Mariann TÁNCZOS Dr.
Institution: Ludovika – University of Public Service, Budapest
Captain Mariann TÁNCZOS Dr.
Dissertation topic/ title: From West Africa to the Central Mediterranean Route; European Union and Member States’ Responses to Handle the Migration Crisis
Field of expertise (with key words): EU Common Security and Defence Policy, EU migration policies, EU-Africa relations, Sahel region
Languages knowledge: Hungarian (native), English (C1), French (B2), German (B2), Arabic (B1)
What did the ESDC Doctoral School provide for you during your PhD program?
The ESDC Doctoral School provided me with connection to an extensive network of senior researchers on whom I could rely throughout my work. I could also benefit from the ESDC courses, which gave me a better understanding and overview on the EU.
One publication/ published work, which you would like to promote: MOLNÁR, Anna; VECSEY, Mariann: The EU’s Missions and Operations from the Central Mediterranean to West Africa in the Context of the Migration Crisis. International Journal of Euro-Mediterranean Studies 15: 1 pp. 55-82. , 28 p. (2022)
Eleni KAPSOKOLI
Institution: Department of International and European Studies of the University of Piraeus
Eleni Kapsokoli
Dissertation topic/ title: The transformative effect of cyberspace on terrorism: the case of Islamic Terrorism
Field of expertise (with key words): international relations, international security, strategy, terrorism, cybersecurity, cyberterrorism, radicalization, foreign interference, disinformation, artificial intelligence, strategic communication, sanctions, human rights, American and European politics, and digital democracy.
Languages knowledge: Greek, English, French.
What did the ESDC Doctoral School provide for you during your PhD program?
The European Doctoral School provides access and networking to an extensive spectrum of academic, scientific, and practical expertise relevant to our research interests. This hub of knowledge promotes the dissemination of information, the sharing of best practices, and the existence of pluralism of voices regarding specific research domains. The European Doctoral School is a valuable resource for doctoral researchers.
- “The Transformative Effect of Cyberspace on Terrorism: The Case of Islamic Terrorism”. European Security and Defence College και European Publication Office (2024). Printed volume ISBN: 978-92-9463-243-2 DOI: 10.2871/21163
- “Cyberterrorism: A New Wave of Terrorism or Not”, Ferrag, M.A., Kantzavelou, I., Maglaras, L. and Janicke, H. (eds.) Hybrid Threats, Cyberterrorism, and Cyberwarfare, 1st Edition, CRC Press book, Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, chapter 4, pp.57-80 (October 2023). https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/edit/10.1201/9781003314721/hybrid-threats-cyberterrorism-cyberwarfare-ioanna-kantzavelou-mohamed-amine-ferrag-leandros-maglaras-helge-janicke
Alvaro RENEDO
Alvaro Renedo
Institution: Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia (UNED)
Dissertation topic/ title: The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies
Field of expertise (with key words): diplomacy, transatlantic dialogue, EU Common Foreign and Security Policy, EU Common Security and Defence Policy, international security, summits, international relations.
Languages knowledge: English, French, Italian, Spanish.
What did the ESDC Doctoral School provide for you during your PhD program?
The ESDC Doctoral School provided access to high level research methodology and training programs specialized on CSDP and EU affairs in general. Moreover, it enabled contacts with EU institutions and facilitated network connections with ESDC fellows and staff. The ESDC also provided opportunities to participate in academic conferences and EU publications.
One publication/ published work, which you would like to promote: RENEDO, A. (In press 2024). The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union.
C. Who can participate
D. How to participate
- Researchers in pursue of their PhD are invited to apply by submitting to the ESDC’s Secretariat an application form and the documents referred in the respective checklist.
- European experts on the CSDP, whose Institutions are members of the network, can contribute to the initiative, by participating either as research mentors or as supervisors. Membership application should be sent to the Doctoral School Working Group, in the format of the following datasheet.
- Training institutions with Doctoral award capabilities apply for membership to the Doctoral School Working Group.
- Institutions (including research and training institutes) without Doctoral award capabilities apply for membership to the Doctoral School Working Group.
- Other entities willing to actively contribute to achieving the objectives of the European Doctoral School can propose projects for joint actions to the Doctoral School Working Group.
E. Our network partners
| NAME | COUNTRY | ADDRESS - CITY | URL | LOGO |
| Theresian Military Academy (Wiener Neustadt) | Austria | Burgplatz 1, 2700 Wr. NEUSTADT |  |
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| Belgium - Egmont Institute | Belgium | Rue de Namur 69, 1000 Brussels |  |
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| Royal Military Academy | Belgium | Rue Hobbema 8, 1000 Brussels |  |
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| University of Liege | Belgium | Place du 20 Août 7, 4000 Liège |  |
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| University of Ghent | Belgium | St. Pietersnieuwstraat n.33, 9000 Ghent |  |
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| Open University of Cyprus | Cyprus | B1 33, Latsia 2220 |  |
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| Roskilde University, Department for Social Sciences and Business | Denmark | Universitetsvej 1, 4000 Roskilde |  |
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| Finland - Crisis Management Centre (CMC Finland, Civilian Crisis Management Training, Research and Evaluation) | Finland | PO Box 1325, Hulkontie 83, 70821 KUOPIO |  |
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| Hellenic Supreme Joint War College (HSJWC) | Greece | Georgikis sxolis Avenue 29, Athens 55535 |  |
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| Hellenic Airforce Academy | Greece | Acharnes 136 72, Greece |  |
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| University of Macedonia | Greece | Egnatia 156 , Thessaloniki 540 06 |  |
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| University of Aegean | Greece | Lesbos 811 00, Greece |  |
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| Greece - University of Peloponnese, Dept. of Political Science and International Relations | Greece | Karaiskaki 70, Tripoli 221 00, Greece |  |
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| Greece - Institute of Research & Training on European Affairs (IRTEA) | Greece | Leof. Eleftheriou Venizelou Athina 106 78 |  |
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| Institute for International Studies National Public Service University | Hungary | H-1101. Budapest Hungaria krt. 9-11 |  |
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| Edward M. Kennedy Institute for Conflict Intervention at NUI Maynooth | Ireland | Mariavilla, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland |  |
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| University of Turin | Italy | Via Giuseppe Verdi, 8, 10124 Torino TO, Italy |  |
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| Netherlands Defence Academy Faculty of Military Science | Netherlands | Fellenourd str. 93 , 24 11 TH Breda |  |
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| Directorate-General for National Defense Resources, Education and Qualification Division | Portugal | Avenida Ilha da Madeira, nº1 4ºPiso, 1400-204 Lisboa, Portugal |  |
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| National College of Home Affairs | Romania | Sector 1, Privighetorilor Street, no.1-3 Bucharest |  |
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| Romanian National Defence University "Carol I" | Romania | Sos. Panduri nr. 68-72, sector 5 Bucuresti |  |
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| Military Technical Academy (Bucharest) | Romania | Bulevardul George Coșbuc n.39-49, 050141 Bucharest | .png) |
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| Romanian Mihai Viteazul National Intelligence Academy | Romania | Șoseaua Odăii n.20-22, 075100 Bucharest |  |
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| EU ISS - European Union Institute for Security Studies | Agencies under Common Security and Defence Policy | 100, avenue de Suffren, 75015 Paris |  |
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| EDA - European Defence Agency | Agencies under Common Security and Defence Policy | Rue des Drapiers, 17-23, B-1050 Ixelles |  |
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| University of Central Lancashire Cyprus (UCLan Cyprus)/School of Social Sciences | Cyprus | University Avenue Pyla n.12-14, 7080 Larnaka |  |
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| University Institute General Gutiérrez Mellado-UNED | Spain | c/ Princesa n.36, 28008 Madrid |  |
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| European Union Satellite Center | EU SATCEN | Apdo. de Correos n.511, 28850 Torrejon de Ardoz, Madrid |  |
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| IRSEM Institute for Strategic Research | France | École militaire, place Joffre n.1, 75007 Paris |  |
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| University of Piraeus (Athens) | Greece | Karaoli ke Dimitriou n.80, Pireas 185 34 Athens |  |
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| Babes-Bolyai University of Cluj-Napoca | Romania | Str. Mihail Kogălniceanu nr. 1, 400084 Cluj-Napoca |  |
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| Gheorghe Asachi Technical University of Iasi | Romania | Bulevardul Profesor Dimitrie Mangeron n.67, 700050 Iași |  |
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| University Politehnica of Bucharest | Romania | Splaiul Independenței n.313, 060042 Bucharest |  |
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| West University of Timisoara | Romania | Bulevardul Vasile Pârvan n.4, 300223 Timișoara |  |
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| Bulgarian National Defence University | Bulgaria | “Evlogi and Hristo Georgievi” Blvd n.82, 1504 Sofia |  |
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| Institute of Continuous Education | Greece | tbc |  |
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| Military Academy of Lithuania | Lithuania | Šilo Str. n.5A, LT-10322 Vilnius |  |
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| Military Academy - Research and Development Center CINAMIL | Portugal | Rua Gomes Freire, 1169-203 Lisbon |  |
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| Catholic University of Louvain-La-Neuve | Belgium | Place de l'Université n.1, 1348 Ottignies-Louvain-la-Neuve |  |
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| CRéA - French Air And Space Force Academy | France | Base aérienne n.701, Chemin de Saint-Jean, 13661 Salon-de-Provence |  |
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| Rey Juan Carlos University | Spain | Calle Tulipán, s/n, 28933 Móstoles, Madrid |  |
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| European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats | Finland | Fabianinkatu 21 FIN-00130 Helsinki, Finland |  |
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| Link Campus University | Italy | Via del Casale di S. Pio V n.44, 00165 Rome |  |
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| University of Thessaly | Greece | Argonauts and Filellinon, 382 21 Volos |  |
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| University of Nottingham | United Kingdom | University Park Nottingham, NG7 2RD, Nottingham |  |
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| Department of Civil Engineering and Geomatics of the Cyprus University of Technology | Cyprus | 1 Panepistimiou Avenue 2109 Aglantzia, Nicosia |  |
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| Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne | France | Place du Panthéon n.12, 75231 Paris |  |
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| European Citizens' Association | Belgium | Brussels |  |
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| PM² ALLIANCE | International Organisation | Brussels |  |
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| Hellenic Observatory | United Kingdom | London |  |
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| University of Buckingham Centre for Security and Intelligence Studies (BUCSIS) | United Kingdom | Buckingham |  |
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| Neapolis University Pafos | Cyprus | Paphos |  |
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| University of Granada | Spain | Granada |  |
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| University of National and World Economy, Bulgaria | Bulgaria | 700 Sofia, Student District, No.19 December 8th st., UNWE | ||
| Peace Journalism Lab, School of Journalism and Mass Communications, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki | Greece | Egnatia 46 (1st floor),54625 Thessaloniki | ||
| Corvinus University of Budapest | Hungary | Budapest | ||
| National University of Political Studies and Public Administration | Romania | Bucharest | ||
| University of Patras | Greece | Patras |  |
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| University of Pitesti | Romania | Pitesti |  |
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| University of Amsterdam | Netherlands | Amsterdam |  |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The network of the European Doctoral School on CSDP consists of:
- Academic institutions of the European Union accredited to offer doctoral diploma (hereafter 'accredited institutions')
- Research, education and training institutions of European Union Member States not accredited to offer doctoral diploma but which have relevant CSDP expertise and are members of the European Security and Defence College network (hereafter 'non-accredited institutions');
- European Union agencies and bodies that are active in CSDP (hereafter 'nonaccredited institutions');
- The European Security and Defence College (ESDC).
Only accredited institutions can be designated as 'leading institutions' for supervising candidates' PhD research and award doctoral degrees.
Associate membership can be granted to entities that actively contribute to achieving the objectives of the European Doctoral School on CSDP.
Institutions may apply to become a member of the Doctoral School network by transmitting its application together with information on its expertise on CSDP to the ESDC Secretariat (send to: esdc-docschool@eeas.europa.eu).
The Working Group of the European Doctoral School on CSDP examines the applications presented by the ESDC Secretariat and approves membership by consensus.
Once your participation to the network has been approved by the Working Group, you will receive a link to the database in order to register the Institution and the key Points of Contract.
In the case where you would wish to update the already register information you are requested to get in touch with the Doctoral School's Training Manager, Dr.Georgicã Panfil at: georgica.panfil@eeas.europa.eu
Once the Institution's participation to the network has been approved by the Working Group, you will receive a link to the mentor's and supervisors database in order to register their fields of expertise and their contact details.
In the case where you would wish to update the already register information you are requested to get in touch with the Doctoral School's Training Manager, Dr.Georgicã Panfil at: georgica.panfil@eeas.europa.eu
Candidates for the CSDP Doctoral School programme are eligible if they:
- Are enrolled PhD students of a CSDP Doctoral School’s accredited member institution or have received confirmation of the acceptance by one or more of the CSDP Doctoral School’s accredited member institutions, according to their regulations, to act as leading institution(s) for the doctorate and have paid any fees required under the rules and procedures of those institution(s) or under the inter-institutional agreement in force between them;
- Have completed a scientific higher education degree worth at least 300 ECTS or gained professional experience in a relevant topic, which is recognised as equivalent to this level of degree within the European Higher Education Area;
- Can produce evidence that they master English to level CEFRL C1;
- Fulfilling the conditions for 'EU Confidential' security clearance is an asset
When the CSDP PhD Fellow has completed his obligations in the framework of the European Doctoral School on CSDP and that the leading institution has authorised the CSDP PhD Fellow to defend his or her thesis, the supervisor(s) inform the members of the Working Group of the decision and the details of the organisation of the defence. The Working Group takes note of the defence.
The defence of the thesis shall take place either at one of the leading institutions or, if so agreed by the PhD committee, at one of the non-leading institutions or in Brussels.
Special arrangements shall then be made for hosting the audience as needed and permit the presence of the PhD supervisors. The defence is public and takes place in English or French, virtually or physically, in accordance with the internal regulations of the leading institutions.
After the defence, the candidate shall submit his or her thesis in English or French to the European Strategy PhD competition organised by Egmont, the European Union Institute for Security Studies and the ESDC.
All PhD fellows are entitled to participate to training courses provided either by the ESDC or by the Doctoral School's network members.
These offers can be found below:
- ESDC courses can be accessed from here. Should you wish to participate to any of the ESDC courses, email your requests to esdc-docschool@eeas.europa.eu
- Offers provided by our network members can be found in the below table
The ESDC Secretariat will provide details about the registration and access information together with the invitation and agenda of the meeting.
The above information is only sent to the registered members of the Doctoral School, as reflected in the respective database.
The participation to the plenary meetings of the Working Group, if organized on two days, is eligible to ERASMUS + funding for the accredited institutions’ representatives.
Please address your request for a participation certificate to Dr.Georgicã Panfil at: georgica.panfil@eeas.europa.eu
- Go to our ILIAS LMS at https://esdc.adlunap.ro
- Click on 'LOGIN' in the top-right corner of your screen
- If you are visiting the site for the first time, click on Login via EULOGIN and create a new account ; otherwise, please enter the point of contact’s existing email and password to login to EU login.
- Complete (or update) the point of contact’s personal data
- Go to REPOSITORY
- Search for CSDP European Doctoral School (CSDP DocSch) folder
- Click in the right edge on "JOIN" to request access to the folder; complete the reasons and the point of contact’s name and institution/university
- The ESDC training manager will check the point of contact’s name on the CSDP Doctoral School list and will grant access to the restricted folder
- At the bottom of the login page you will also find a 3' video tutorial on how to go through the registration procedure
If you are an official and registered Doctoral School Insititution representative you can submit a request to Dr.Georgicã Panfil at: georgica.panfil@eeas.europa.eu and he will provide you access to the respective page.
The specific page can only be used for the publication of activities/events relating to the Doctoral School or research performed in the field of CFSP & CSDP
You can download the European Doctoral School's Internal Procedures document from here