Prospects for European Foreign PolicyThe crisis that resulted from the two failed referenda in France and the Netherlands in 2005, and Ireland in 2008, was a major shock to the European Union (EU). The prospects of the Lisbon Treaty being ratified during 2008 are highly unlikely as the Irish may not hold a second referendum until the spring of 2009. Meanwhile all other EU Member States are committed to continuing the ratification process. Whatever the motives of those voting no, few dispute the thesis that in light of probable increasing threats to Europe during the coming decades there is an urgent need for a more coherent and effective EU as an actor on the international stage. Even if one considers the current global challenges, whether unrest in much of Africa and the wider Middle East, the re-emergence of Russia, the rise of China, dealing with terrorism, nuclear proliferation, energy security or climate change, it is clear that a united European voice will count far more than 27 disparate voices. |
Common terms and phrases
actor agreed agreement Asia Balkans Brussels Centre Research Series CFSP changes coherent Commissioners common foreign common policies Constitutional Treaty cooperation coordination Council Secretariat creation Delegations double-hatting Dr Cameron Economic Policy 108 energy security enlargement ESDP EU Three EU's foreign policy European Commission European Council European diplomatic service European Foreign Policy European level European Parliament European Policy Centre European security European Union external action service external policies external relations external representation External Service foreign and security foreign minister Fraser Cameron High Representative High Representative/Vice High Representative/Vice-President implications important Institute for International International Economic Policy issues Javier Solana KIEP Korea Institute Lisbon Treaty Member Middle East Ministries Netherlands in 2005 organisation Policy 108 Yangjaedaero political Prospects for European ratification process Research Series 08-01 responsibilities role Routledge Russia second pillar security policy Seocho-Gu Seoul Series 08-01 Prospects six-monthly SNU-KIEP EU Centre soft power Special Representatives structure trade Vice-President 리스본