Evolution of European Union Foreign and Security Policy

Evolution of European Union Foreign Policy

Foreign Policy

Early Cooperation and the EPC

1. In the 1970s and 1980s, Member States (MS) began to cooperate on Foreign Policy (FP).
2. The European Political Cooperation (EPC) marked the start of a common FP and was recognized in Title III of the Single European Act (SEA).
3. Title III was not added to the EEC Treaty because Member States did not want legislative processes to apply to FP; therefore, the EPC remained voluntary.

Factors Driving Change

Five key factors provoked a shift in policy:

• The end of the Cold War: Nuclear and military capacity became less critical, while economic strength and geographical position gained importance.
• German reunification: Germany pressured Member States to recognize Croatia and Slovenia, leading to the acceptance of the disintegration of Yugoslavia.
• The Gulf War: Demonstrated that the EPC would remain inefficient if Security and Defence policy remained separated from FP. While diplomatic reactions and sanctions were coordinated, military responses lacked unity.
• The Balkan Crisis: The EU’s response to the breakup of Yugoslavia and hostilities in the Balkans was inadequately prepared, developed, and mobilized.
• Treaty advancements: These changes were a direct response to the factors above, though FP maintained its intergovernmental nature.

Treaty Developments in CFSP

• Maastricht Treaty: Established the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), which became the Union’s second pillar. It was based on intergovernmental decision-making, required unanimity, and introduced the goal of a common defence policy.
• Amsterdam Treaty: Introduced Qualified Majority Voting (QMV) for certain policy implementation decisions and a “constructive abstention” mechanism. Security policy advanced through the “Petersberg tasks,” focusing on crisis management, peacekeeping, and humanitarian efforts. It also created the CFSP High Representative and a Policy Planning and Early Warning Unit.
• Nice Treaty: Enabled Member States to advance initiatives for joint actions and common positions, provided they lacked military or defence implications.
• Lisbon Treaty: Consolidated authorities by merging the High Representative for the CFSP and the Commissioner for External Relations into the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

Nevertheless, it cannot be said that there is a fully cohesive and coherent European Foreign Policy.