On 11 March 2014, the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union adopted the Regulation establishing an Instrument contributing to Stability and Peace (IcSP) which succeeds the Instrument for Stability (IfS). The IcSP is one of the key external assistance instruments that enable the EU to take a lead in helping to prevent and respond to actual or emerging crises around the world.

It can provide short-term assistance, for example in countries where a crisis is unfolding, or long-term support, notably to mitigate a variety of risks, tackle global and transborder threats, and build capacity for lasting socioeconomic development. Its activities complement those of the European Union’s geographical instruments.

Part of the EU’s new generation of instruments for financing external action, the IcSP will pursue the same broad political objectives in terms of its focus on crisis response, crisis preparedness and conflict prevention to better contribute to the EU’s comprehensive approach to external conflicts and crises.