​The Ministry of Foreign Affairs organised on 19 April, in the framework of the Portuguese Presidency of the Council of the European Union, an international conference on the Civilian Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), entitled "Advancing Synergies". 

The conference brought together policy makers, practitioners, experts and think tanks, with the main objective of following up the results of the Annual Review Conference and deepening the debate around Civilian CSDP and CSDP as a whole.

The conference addressed issues such as fostering the implementation of the Civilian CSDP Compact, deepening the internal-external security nexus (CSDP-JHA cooperation) and reflecting Civilian CSDP in the Strategic Compass.

The conference had the cooperation of the General Secretariat of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the participation of the GNR Colonel Paulo Soares, current Head of the EUAM RCA Mission, and the Head of the Operational Area of the PSP, Intendant Rúben Medeiros, as speakers. The participation of both Security Forces was fundamental, having contributed to an in-depth debate, where the perspective and operational experience were essential for the future developments of the Civilian CSDP and the ambitions of the European Union in general.

The event made clear that much has been achieved since the launch of the Civilian CSDP missions and recognised the importance of the European Union as a global security and stabilisation actor. It was also clear that there is still a lot of work to be done, requiring more cooperation, better coordination, as well as adjusted strategies and planning to face the numerous security threats.