(q1) The CFSP, as stated by Crowe (2003), is the successor of the European Political Cooperation (1969) and introduced through the Maastricht Treaty (1993) as a means to create a common foreign and security policy representing the European position on issues on international affairs. Most of the parts of the EPC has transcended to the CFSP, independent from the Treaty of Rome and most of its decisions are done through unanimity, fostering common policies to develop for the region . (q2) The need for a CFSP had been outlined in the 1970 Luxembourg Report that created the EPC. It was raised that Europe needed a ‘political cooperation’ to lay the foundations of ‘harmonizing their views on international affairs’ due to the changing political environment. The Maastricht Treaty of 1992 then outlined the concept of a common defense policy, inputting EU’s need to have a military capability and sustain the idea of a ‘European foreign policy’ already raised in the Single European Act in 1986 .
(q3) There are several issues that had to be taken into account for the CFSP to work. First, the CFSP should be used properly in the sense that it showcase a unified EU cooperation, supporting dialogue with countries such as the US and Russia. Possible members should also be taken in to account to formulate a policy fit for all, putting credibility to the CFSP. The EU must also be able to reform the CFSP’s decision-making strategy and its major agencies . (q4) The CFSP inherited the same governing structure as that of the European Political Cooperation: The Political Committee prepares the ministerial discussions covered under the CFSP. In terms of the European Parliament does not have a direct control over the CFSP’s decision-making structure, but they meet regularly with the leadership of the CFSP to ensure that the Parliament’s position is supported. In terms of the European Commission, it is directly associated with the CFSP, observing meetings and participating in discussions for initiatives for policies supported by a troika . The Amsterdam Treaty had improved the CFSP’s structure, introducing the High Representative for the CFSP to identify the scope of discussions for its policies. The Nice Treaty also established the Military Committee to provide the EU control for military operations .
(q5) However, it is stated that the common policy such as the CFSP does not support a proactive action that allows direct involvement. It is displayed the lack of capacity in involving itself in the Yugoslav civil war and the Kosovo War of 1998-1999. Although they have provided the framework, negotiators and the proposal to end the conflict, the Europeans only took indirect action while assisting the US-led NATO . (q6) The CFSP is mostly an intergovernmental policy for the fact that the Commission grants only ‘full association’ to lesser state than those of member states. It is also independent from other pillars based on its voting power . Its principles are based with decisions agreed unanimously by the Council or from the European Council, under a consensus or a majority vote . (Conclusion) Today, the CFSP is constantly being developed to counter all conflicts that affects the EU member countries, and to keep the Union together in the resolution of these issues to ensure CFSP’s success. If the EU remains split in deciding its security and foreign policy and only supports US action, it is likely that a common policy would not prosper.
Works Cited
Crowe, Brian. "A Common European Foreign Policy after Iraq?" International Affairs (Royal Institute of International Affairs 1944-) 79.3 (2003): 533-546. Print.
Hurd, Douglass. "Developing the Common Foreign and Security Policy." International Affairs (Royal Institute of International Affairs 1944-) 70.3 (1994): 421-428. Print.
