CESS engages in research, consultancy and training in support of European efforts to prevent violent conflict and promote human security. Its special area of interest is Security Sector Reform, with an emphasis on democratic governance. Currently, its main activity is capacity-building.
 
CESS developed and test-drove the Starlink range of self-contained generic teaching modules that can be used anywhere in the world, after some adaptation to local needs. They include introductory topics, specialised subjects, and simulation exercises. Financed by the Netherlands government, the modules are available for free to all bona fide users. Please write to merijnhartog@cess.org.
 
At the request of the OECD DAC Network on Conflict, Peace and Development Co-Operation, and working with other ASSET members, CESS also produced training workbooks and course formats based on the OECD DAC approach to Security System Reform. These are being used to train SSR practitioners from donor and host countries, and to train SSR trainers.
 
CESS is also involved in training programmes on the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) of combatants.