The Centre for European Security Studies (CESS) is an independent institute for research and training, based in Groningen, the Netherlands. CESS seeks to advance political development, democracy, human rights and in particular security, by helping governments and civil society face their respective challenges.

CESS is an international, multidisciplinary and inclusive institute. Its work is part of the European quest for stability and prosperity, both within and outside Europe. CESS encourages informed debate, empowers individuals, fosters mutual understanding on matters of governance, and promotes democratic structures and processes.

CESS is fully dependent on external project-funding. From 1993 onwards CESS has been funded by a broad variety of foundations, international organisations and governments. From 2015 onwards most project funding was received through the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Open Society Foundations.