International Politics Shaped by the EU: A Critical Analysis of the European Common Foreign and Security Policy

Abstract

Development of healthy economic and political relations with various international actors lies at heart of the European Union's (EU) external actions. In engaging in these relations, the EU seeks to safeguard its fundamental values and interests and promote them world-wide. 1 In that respect, the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) plays a crucial role in the EU'S activities on the international scene. It has to be underlined that the CFSP has a very broad scope and covers all issues related to foreign policies of the EU and its Member States (MSs), particularly aspects of defence and security. 2 Most importantly, the policy enhances the role of the EU as a unitary actor on the international scene, allowing MSs to exercise their influence jointly. 3 As a consequence, the involvement of the EU in the world of global politics strengthened, including its position in preserving international peace and security and promoting democracy and human rights. However, the question which raised an interest