21 WHITE NATO crisis management capabilities and partnerships Lithuania plays an active role in NATOs open door partnerships policy, supporting the Alliance’s efforts in promoting security and stability in the NATO neighbourhood, as well as participating in NATO operations and contributing to the development of NATO military and civilian tools for operations beyond the borders of the Alliance. 3.2. Contribution to the EU common security and defence policy Lithuania, considering the role of NATO as the foundation for Euro-Atlantic security, supports the development of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) providing additional security guarantees. In 2016, the EU declared the Global Strategy for the EU’s Foreign and Security Policy, defining the main guidelines for CSDP development. Lithuania backs the EU initiatives that further contributes to building military capabilities in Europe, fosters the EU role providing additional security guarantees as well as the solidarity of the EU members in the area of security and defence. From Lithuania’s point of view, these initiatives have to complement NATO efforts and remain voluntary. The four directions of CSDP especially important to Lithuania are: Capacity to respond to hybrid threats As EU member states face new security challenges, the EU has to be capable to provide an effective and coordinated response in this new environment by using all capabilities and instruments at its disposal. Lithuania supports the EU efforts to develop capabilities to recognise hybrid threats, increase national resilience as well as cyber and information security. Lithuania is a contributing nation to the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats based in Helsinki. PA P E R