The efficiency of the European Union CFSP : the case of the Arab-Israeli conflict

Abstract

The development of a common foreign and security policy has always been a controversial issue in Europe, particularly since this is seen by some member states as leading to the surrender of national sovereignty. Nevertheless, member states do recognise the benefits of having a common foreign policy. The first serious political co-operation initiatives began in the 1950's. After several failed attempts to establish some sort of political co-operation, some success was achieved in the early 1970's with the birth of European Political Co-operation (EPC). The decision-making mechanism of EPC continued to develop in the 1970's and 1980's and this will be analysed in the dissertation. In Maastricht EPC developed into the CFSP and became one of the three pillars of the EU. As regards decision making, CFSP (second pillar) is distinct from the EC (first pillar), but also linked to it. Since Maastricht the CFSP continued to develop and today, as we shall see, the CFSP has a number of instruments at its disposal. However, the second pillar remains effectively intergovernmental. This led to a certain degree of inefficiency and ineffectiveness. Moreover, no drastic changes have been proposed so far, in the draft treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe. Nevertheless, one can also claim that the main problem of the CFSP lies in the lack of political will shown by certain Member States to co-ordinate common policies. European States seem to be suspicious of one another and have been reluctant to place their defence needs under common European institutions. All this considered the fact remains that the CFSP is more of a process rather then a policy, and has reached no final stasis. In the first part to this study the development of the EPC and CFSP, from a decision making point of view, together with the present instruments and procedures, will be analysed. In the second part of this study we shall look in detail at an area where European involvement has been active, that is the Arab-Israeli conflict. After having a look at the historical aspect of the Arab-Israeli conflict and the main developments up until the 22nd March 2004, we shall look at how the EPC and CFSP reacted to the crises, and what has been the role of the EU up until the 22nd March 7004 As regards the Arnb-Israeli conflict, the EU has played an important role through both the EPC and CFSP. The Arab-Israeli conflict provides us with a concrete setting in which to assess the relative advantages and disadvantages, successes and failures, of a Europe speaking with one voice. The EU contributes economic and political stability to the region. Moreover, the EU is the largest donor of non-military aid to the Middle East peace process (MEPP) and the first donor of financial and technical aid to the Palestine Authority, which is today considered as an equal Mediterranean partner. However, the EU involvement in the region has sometimes been accused of being declaratory and lacking the capacity for soliciting effective results. The third part of the study will seek to explore member states foreign policy views towards the Arab-Israeli conflict. We shall look at those member states which have direct interest in the region, and which have a history of involvement in the region. Consideration will also be given to other European actors. This study tries to identify member states' conflicting views and objectives. The aim is to evaluate the political attitudes and political will to taking a stance on the Arab-Israeli conflict. Finally, by looking at the conclusions of the case study, we shall be able to identify the main problem blocking the establishment of a stronger CFSP vis-a-vis the Arab-Israeli conflict. This study will try to determine whether it is the political will of the Member States or the CFSP's decision-making mechanism, which is the main cause of CFSP' s ineffectiveness.