Transcript Conceptual definition of the European Union as a

Conceptual definition of the
European Union as a security
actor
The context of the definition of the
Union as a security actor
• The cold war history
• The post- cold war context
• The CFSP’s principles and objectives:
TEU, Article J 1.2
• to safeguard the common values, fundamental interests and independence
of the Union;
• to strengthen the security of the Union and its Member States in all ways;
• to preserve peace and strengthen international security, in accordance with
the principles of the United Nations Charter as well as the principles of the
Helsinki Final Act and the objectives of the Paris Charter;
• to promote international cooperation;
• to develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law, and respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms.
• The underlying ESDP tasks:
TEU, Article 17.2: ‘humanitarian and rescue tasks, peacekeeping tasks and
tasks of combat forces in crisis management, including peacemaking.’
The European Security Strategy
(2003)- assessment of the threats
• Non-state groups in security affairs
• Non-traditional security factors: unresolved regional conflicts,
poverty, bad governance, climate change, and energy dependence
• ‘New’ security threats to Europe:
- Terrorism: international, well-resourced and prepared to use
unlimited violence; risk of terrorist networks, obtaining WMDs;
- proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery
systems: the most serious threat to the international peace and
security; the deterrence strategy would not be adequate in dealing
with this threat;
- failed states and organised crime: weakening of the state and social
structures, which makes those states a permissive environment for
criminal elements
These three threats are interconnected and, at the same time, ‘more
diverse, less visible and less predictable’.
The European Security Strategy
(2003)- strategic direction and policy
instruments
• To contribute to stability and good governance in the union’s
immediate neighbourhood: expanding the zone of stability and wellgoverned countries to the neighbouring countries, east of the Union
and on the borders of the Mediterranean (Ukraine, Moldova,
Belarus, the Southern Caucasus, the Arab/ Israeli conflict, and the
Mediterranean area countries); policy instruments: trade and
development assistance, support of good governments in these
countries;
• To work towards building an international order, based on effective
multilateralism: encouraging a stronger international society,
functioning international institutions, and promoting the international
rule of law (especially in the area of non-proliferation, terrorism and
climate change), promoting good governance and dealing with
issues domestic power and corruption; policy instruments: aid,
diplomacy and trade.
• To counter the new and the old security threats; application of
military force
Analysis of the European Security
Strategy
• Comparison with the US National Security Strategy, September
2002
• Nature and structure: three parts (threats, strategic objectives and
policy implications)
• Content:
- Europe as a global player though with emphasis on its immediate
abroad;
- Recognises the changes in the strategic environment (post-modern
approach);
- The overall strategy: based on effective multulateralism; rule-based
international order; different value attached to military strength;
- policy instruments are generic in nature; they do not provide specific
mandates and instructions (but it is a non-negotiated document)