This book analyzes the approach of the European Union (EU) to crisis management after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty and assesses its suitability for addressing current and future security threats. It primarily provides a framework of analysis with which to interpret current EU crisis management as both a product of the innovations of the Lisbon Treaty and its interaction with the international security environment. It also offers a comprehensive and in-depth examination of the post-Lisbon crisis management system in terms of concepts, structures, process and capabilities. A reality check of this system is conducted by analysing a number of case studies in which the EU recently carried out a crisis management role: the civilian missions EUCAP Sahel Niger, EUCAP Nestor and EUAVSEC South Sudan, and the military operation EUTM Mali. This analysis sheds light on the modalities selected by the EU for intervening in crisis situations, the impact that its interventions have produced and the lessons that the EU has learnt from these experiences.The author points out the structural strengths and weaknesses in the EU's approach to and implementation of crisis management, and shows how they impact on the EU's ability to cope with future crises. This book fills a gap in the existing literature and at the same time provides decision-makers with policy recommendations for improving the EU's performance in this field.