This graduate thesis focuses on the detailed overview of the crisis management system of the European union. The main components that operate in the crisis management circle are described and historical development of the institutions is outlined. The paper gives an overview of the crisis cycle which outlines the activities of individual bodies and presents the decision-making proces. The author presents examples of conducting crisis management operations and describes the development of cooperation with other international organizastions. The importance of political and military orientation of the crisis management process through current and completed missions is underlined. Furthermore, the paper describes the development of military capabilities through ongoing structured cooperation with the aim of achieving coherence and interoperability in international missions. The paper presents an overview of the crisis management of the Republic of Croatia and describes the contribution to the crisis management system of the European Union. Emphasis is placed on developing military capabilities and opportunities for improvement. crisis, crisis management circle, crisis cycle, Common security and defense policy, development of military capabilities, permanent structured cooperation, battle gropus