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European Foreign Affairs Review
Number of Followers: 35

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ISSN (Print) 1384-6299
Published by Kluwer Law International

[21 journals]

The Lonely Strategist: Who but the High Representative and the EEAS Cares
About the EU Global Strategy'
- Abstract: EU Member States have agreed on a grand strategy, the 2016 Global Strategy (EUGS). However, the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), where Member States define the EU’s foreign, security and defence policies, has failed to fully implement it. In fact, neither the Member States nor the European Commission feel ownership of the EUGS. However, the need to leverage the internal competences of the Commission in order to maintain the EU’s position in the competition between the great powers, may forge more grand strategic unity. Nevertheless, introducing majority decision-making remains imperative – but unlikely. What the EU could and ought to do immediately, however, is to introduce a regular strategic review.
  Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
Esprit De Corps : Has the EEAS Missed Something'
- Abstract: The EEAS has often been criticized for its inability to implement a genuine esprit de corps. This article deconstructs the notion, questions the viability of the nevertheless indispensable aspiration and argues that in order to shape its specific esprit de corps, the EEAS needs to correct the birth defects that have prevented it from inventing its own brand of diplomacy.
  Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
The EEAS at Ten: Reason for a Celebration'
- Abstract: The tenth anniversary of the creation of the European External Action Service provides an opportune moment to take stock of the role which the Service has played in forging a more coherent, visible and effective EU foreign and security policy. At the same time, it offers a chance to field ideas on how the Union’s foreign policy actors might chart a course to guide the European External Action Service (EEAS) to what could be tumultuous teenage years. This article contextualizes the contributions to this first European Foreign Affairs Review (EFAR) Issue of 2021, which is devoted entirely to an assessment of where the EEAS’ strengths and opportunities lie, and which weaknesses need to be addressed to fit the Service for future purpose.
  Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
A Note from the Editors EFAR@25: Between Change and Continuity
- Abstract: Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
Reassessing External Images of the EU: Evolving Narratives in Times of
Crisis
- Abstract: The past decade has challenged the EU and its international image. The Eurozone sovereign debt crisis, the Ukraine crisis, the so-called irregular migration crisis and the Covid-19 pandemic have all put the EU under severe strain. This article explores if and how the EU’s performance in such crises has impacted upon the external image of the EU. The analysis shows that external images have closely followed the EU’s actual performance, although filtering it through the powerful lenses of local and regional concerns and sensibilities. While some traditional images have proved to be resilient in the longer run (as in the case of the EU as an economic powerhouse or a frequently divided community), others have been severely weakened by the EU’s crisis responses (such as the EU as a bastion of human rights). Our findings contribute to the discussion on the public diplomacy and information strategy of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in shaping locally-resonating positive images of the EU worldwide.
  Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
The EEAS in Multilateral Fora: Impact on EU Coherence at the UN General
Assembly
- Abstract: The European External Action Service (EEAS) should coordinate the Union external action and, thus, enhance coherence in the EU’s participation in multilateral fora. This article verifies the EEAS’ practical impact on EU voting cohesion and unity of representation in multilateral fora over its first ten years of existence, through an analysis of empirical data regarding the EU’s performance at the UN General Assembly. The data suggest that the EEAS has not had a significant impact on EU Member States’ voting cohesion. However, the EEAS has promoted unity in the EU’s international representation: indeed, EU delegations – which are part of the EEAS – have become the main Union representatives at the UN General Assembly and their representative role is unchallenged by EU institutions and Member States. Despite the persisting divisions in EU foreign policy, the EEAS is likely to ensure an effective Union representation in multilateral fora in the future.
  Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
EU Foreign Policy Coherence in Times of Crises: The Integrated Approach
- Abstract: With the number of multi-facetted crises on the rise, with an international governance system deteriorating, how is the EU performing in putting its acts together to respond to these challenging times' In building up its foreign policy over the last two decades, the European Union has gone a long way from seeking ‘coherence’ between Members States to an ‘integrated approach to conflicts and crises’ embedded into the 2016 Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy. Whilst still at an infant stage, the ‘integrated approach’ has led to institutional changes within the European External Action Service (EEAS), in particular the creation of a dedicated Integrated Approach for Security and Peace Directorate. Its aims for a given crisis are promoting a comprehensive political and strategic plan shared by theEUand itsMember States, acting in a unified manner and leading to synchronized actions. To be successful, including in the Union’s neighbourhood, the integrated approach will need to be based on strong, clear and common EU foreign affairs objectives aiming at securing sustainable peace.
  Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
Translating the Peace Ambition into Practice: The Role of the European
External Action Service in EU Peace Mediation
- Abstract: Peace mediation constitutes a major and natural part of European foreign policy. From the perspective of the European External Action Service (EEAS), this article outlines the foundations of EU peace mediation, the development and genesis of its practice, and contrasts four examples: Belgrade-Pristina, Iran, Georgia and Yemen. Multitrack mediation and its integrated approach provide the specific value added of EU peace mediation. The future challenges in international conflict resolution are now addressed in a new EU concept for Peace Mediation with specific guidelines which point to the need for greater professionalization and a recognition of the EU’s role in this field.
  Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
The EEAS: Navigating EU Inter-Institutional Relations and Africa
- Abstract: The first ten years of the European External Action Service (EEAS) coincided with a time of considerable evolution in the global, European, and African landscape. This article explores the success of the EEAS strategic navigation of the EU’s inter-institutional and Member State relationships with Africa. Issues such as diplomatic relations, peace and security, and the Commission’s exclusive and shared competences in trade and development cooperation respectively are examined from the EEAS point of view. It highlights the strategic and practical constraints facing the EEAS that explain not only past challenges, but those that remain relevant for the future performance of the Service. It looks at issues in EEAS Headquarters (HQ) as well as within the EU Delegations and explores the relationship between the EEAS and EU external financial instruments. It concludes that given its relative youth, the EEAS did not perform badly despite the peculiar circumstances in which it found itself. Looking forward, the long and rather chequered history of EU–Africa relations could do with a better strategic touch, informed by clear insight regarding dynamics on the continent and the position and interests of African actors. This is an argument in favour of a more empowered EEAS at HQ and within Delegations.
  Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
The EEAS as a Navigator of EU Defence Aspects in Cyberspace
- Abstract: What is the principal role of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in EU cybersecurity and how does its influence in this crossover area of EU policies unfold' To answer these questions, the major cybersecurity documents, its actors and the EU competence in the field of cybersecurity will be reviewed. The article will then examine the role of the EEAS in the specific sub-area of EU cyber defence. It argues that the principal role of the EEAS is to bring more coherence and coordination to cybersecurity, especially in the area of cyber defence. Due to wellestablished procedures and strong institutional involvement supported by other bodies, the EEAS has entrenched its role in cybersecurity policies, even if it still remains a solely supportive one.
  Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
The Evolving Role of the European External Action Service in Security and
Defence
- Abstract: While significant scholarly work has been dedicated to the institutionalization of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and its role in shaping the European Union’s (EU) foreign policy goals, less attention has been given to the Service’s wider competencies and agenda-setting power in the case of the Common Security and Defence Policy. This article aims to assess the growing role of the EEAS in defence and in spearheading new ways of bridging foreign policy and security in a comprehensive manner. In doing so, the research explores how the security and defence dimensions were incorporated into the EEAS, by examining the processes of institutionalization in the EEAS crisis management structures in the post-Lisbon context, and by zooming in on the intergovernmental and supranational dynamics in the European security and defence architecture. The article finds that continued organizational innovation and the reinforcement of supranational mechanisms in the EEAS and the European Commission have had a positive impact on the EU’s security and defence, representing a step further in bridging the foreign policy, security and defence divides at the EU level.
  Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
The European External Action Service and EU Climate Diplomacy: Coordinator
and Supporter in Brussels and Beyond
- Abstract: This article assesses the European External Action Service’s (EEAS’s) role in the evolution of EU climate diplomacy over the past decade and considers its future agenda. We distinguish between the EEAS headquarters and the EU Delegations/Offices in third countries. The EEAS headquarters has found a role as coordinator among the Council and Commission services as well as between ‘Brussels’ and the EU Delegations. What is more, the EU Delegations have engaged in various climate diplomacy activities and coordinate among Member State embassies. Despite its reliance on only a few staff members specialized in climate issues – both at the headquarters and Delegation level – the EEAS contributes to EU climate diplomacy formulation and implementation by providing a centralized venue for coherent geographic and thematic messaging and action.
  Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
Situational Awareness for EU Decision-making: The Next Decade
- Abstract: In the face of increasing international risks and challenges, EU policies will need to rely more than ever on adequate and timely situational awareness. In view of Article 4(2) Treaty on European Union (TEU), voluntary contributions of Member States’ intelligence and security services channelled via the EU Intelligence Analysis and Situation Centre (EU INTCEN) and the Intelligence Directorate of the European Military Staff (EUMS.INT) will remain essential for the viability of EU decision-making. Furthermore, inputs from the EU satellite programmes, open source and social media exploitation, EU delegation reporting and Commission expertise will have to be added to that process in a more efficient, structured and timely way. Situational awareness has to be supported and protected by a resilient, secure and performant Information Technology (IT) – and command, control and communication (C3)-infrastructure connecting EU institutions, bodies and Member States, and keeping information safe. These are key components in increasingly embedding strategic foresight in EU policy-making and strengthening Europe’s autonomy.Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)
Above the Fog and the Fury: EU Strategic Policy Planning and the EU’s
Future in Times of Global Uncertainty
- Abstract: Foreign policy is often dominated by the short term and dealing with urgencies at the expense of strategic planning. EU foreign policy is not immune to this risk. This begs the question of the EU’s ability to articulate strategic thinking and longer-term policy action in times of great uncertainty as caused by the Covid-19. Put simply, strategic planning and strategic foresight are disciplines that aim at identifying possible futures, mapping options and charting possible responses and strategic goals and as such support informed and sound policy-making. On that account, the EU has developed over time strategic policy frameworks for its foreign policy, such as the European Security Strategy in 2003 and the Global Strategy in 2016, that have served the Union rather well in navigating the global environment. The Covid-19 has come at a defining moment. Fraught with geopolitical stakes and global challenges, the EU’s ability to act strategically is being stress-tested on an unprecedented scale. Strengthening European strategic autonomy has emerged from policy planning work as the compass that can guide EU action through this period of geopolitical and global reshuffling. At the same time strengthening the Union’s strategic policy planning function and means has become a necessity to secure the effectiveness of external action.Volume 26
  Online ISSN 1384-6299
  PubDate: Mon, 22 Feb 2021 00:01:07 GMT
  Issue No: Vol. 26 (2021)