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 well-governed 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)