EU foreign policy key developments and controversies.

Intro clip - Palestine Intro clip - Kabul

Soft power
The basis for the EUs common foreign and security policy (CFSP) remains soft power: the use of diplomacy - backed where necessary by trade, aid and peacekeepers.

Example 1
In August 2008, the EU brokered a ceasefire to end fighting between Georgia and Russia and deployed EU observers to monitor the situation. It provided humanitarian aid to people displaced by the fighting and organised an international donor conference for Georgia.

Example 2
The EU also has a leading role in the Balkans, where it is funding assistance projects in seven countries to help them build stable societies. In Kosovo, the EU deployed a 1900-strong justice and police force in December 2008 to help ensure law and order.

Ad hoc intervention
The EU has no standing army. Instead it relies on ad hoc forces contributed by EU countries for peacekeeping, crisis management and humanitarian missions. In order to respond quickly, the EU has established battlegroups of about 1500 forces each. Two battlegroups are on standby at any given time.

Example 1
In early 2008, an EU military force of more than 3000 was stationed in border areas of Chad and the Central African Republic to protect refugees displaced by fighting in the neighbouring Darfur region of Sudan.

Example 2
In December 2008, the EU launched its first maritime operation. Its mission is to protect ships from pirates along the Somali coast, particularly ships delivering food aid to Somalia.

Decision-making
Foreign and security policy is one area where essential authority remains with EU governments, although the European Commission and, to a lesser extent the European Parliament, are associated with the process. Key decisions are taken by unanimous vote.

Analysing common foreign & security policy...

Success or failure? Post Lisbon developments? Catherine Ashton? Conflicts between member states? Clusters of member states? Differing interests of member states? Conflicts between EU institutions?

Short essay preparation

To what extent has EU integration been extended into the area of Foreign and Security Policy?