Developing the European Foreign Security and Defence Policy without the Constitution?

In: Studia diplomatica: Brussels journal of international relations, Band 59, Heft 1, S. 129-140

Abstract

In this article in the section on Multidimensional Security, the EU's search for its role as a global player is explored by the assessment of four possibilities to develop the European foreign security & defense policy (EFSP) without the enactment of the Constitutional Treaty (CT). The six possibilities for development delineated as opportunities are inclusive of institutional reorganization, interinstitutional agreements, legal acts by the Council, flexible cooperation between member states that could result in the election of President of the European Council & the establishment of a Foreign Affairs Council, the appointment of a Foreign Affairs Minster & the creation of an European External action Service, the development of the European Defense Agency, the reutilization of enhanced permanent structure cooperation. The "back door" reforms of the EFSP, although possible, are questioned in terms of a direction for the EU, & the author concludes that placing reforms firmly in the context of the European Security Strategy would be a good place to start . References. J. Harwell