Private Military and Security Companies, the European Union, and Regulation as a Tool for Efficiency

Abstract

Some European nations both host and use private military and security companies as a solution to the rising demand for overseas operations at a time when they have shrinking defence assets. However, other nations refuse to legitimise this process and the European regulatory structure is weak. Outsourcing to PMSCs can lead to economic abuses and loss of efficiency as well as misconduct. Remedies require a mix of hard and soft regulation, good contract drafting, and supervision. European performance might benefit from seeking common solutions of this kind in the ESDP framework.