Crisis management operations and procedures in context of european union security and relationships with Nato

After the breakup of USSR and the ending of cold war, the opinion that there is no need for NATO existence as a defence organisation and that Europe can provide security of the continent by itself has occured in the Euro-Atlantic area. The shortfalls of the regimes and administrations in the countries which are separated from USSR and having independence, the wars of Yugoslavia?s dissolution and finally terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001 has determined the security comprehension and threat perceptions of 21 st century for U.S.A and EU. In this context, conflicts induced from ethnic reasons, bad governance, poverty and asymmetric threats; including terrorist attacks which can?t be foreseen how, where and when will happen has become more dangerous for peace and security on earth than traditional wars made between nations for the sake of energy and land. Since European Union aims to be a global actor on security matters based on effective multilateralism, civilian and military mechanisms under the CFSP framework has been built in order to face the new threats. On the other hand, NATO has proven that it is the unique military organisation that can face the new threats globally, with the operations both launched in Yugoslavia, the other regions and operations against terrorism. The crisis of Iraq, burdensharing of defence expenditures in Euro-Atlantic area, the EU?s intention to build a European Army vs. appeared some difference of opinions between USA and EU, leading the strategic partners looking for a new way to work together again. In this study, the new structures of the EU and NATO; formed in order to face new threats, crisis and crisis management concepts, the operations carried out by NATO and EU, the evaluation of the necessity for the NATO-EU strategic partnership is examined and a conclusion is tried to be reached.