Europe in the 21st century : an independent security system?

Abstract

In view of the decision of the EU Member States to further develop the Common Foreign Security Policy (CFSP) and to launch the Common European Security and Defence Policy, this thesis analyses the possible outcomes of this new policy. Another aspect analysed concerns the prospects of this policy developing into a more concrete and deeply integrated military project. The first two chapters tackle the origins of the Common European Security and Defence Policy (CESDP) making reference to the principal unsuccessful attempts at creating some form of defence structures, such as the European Defence Community, the Western European Union and others, as well as the first successful results, namely the European Political Co-operation (EPC) launched in 1969 followed by the CFSP that came into being following the Treaty on European Union. Further development seemed impossible due to many divergences between the Member States, most notably that involving NATO members. However an important change occurred in the Franco-British summit at St.Malo, when the British acknowledged for the first time the possibility that Europe may have some form of autonomy in the Alliance. While the Europeans greeted this change, the American response varied from fear to refusal. This thesis then discusses the present situation of CESDP, in particular what have states contributed to it, the aim of the headline goal and the latest developments in this sphere. It is interesting that several non-EU members, including Turkey and other non-Member States have already committed some resources to this policy.