The security situation in and around Europe has significantly worsened in recent years and no single state or organisation is able to face it alone. Protecting the EU and its citizens requires the contribution of the EU and its Member States together, starting from the implementation of the defence-related provisions in the Lisbon Treaty. For this step, it is necessary that Member States make available appropriate capacities for civilian and military missions and operations and that they start to ensure each other's defence. [...]