EU-NATO relations : the case of Libya

Abstract

This dissertation shall be discussing the relationship between the EU and NATO. It will do so in light of the conflict that broke out in 2011. It asks: how has the Libyan crisis managed to better define the relationship between the EU and NATO? The transatlantic partnership that exists between the EU and NATO is not easy to define. It is a multi-faceted relationship. The majority of NATO members are EU Member States. In view of the 2009 Lisbon Treaty, the EU has taken the necessary measures to seemingly advance in its development of Common Foreign and Security Policy as well as its Common Security and Defence Policy. This fact has resulted in the EU distancing itself from NATO therefore resulting in a shift in the dynamics of the relationship between the two organisations. With the Lisbon Treaty in place, the EU should have been able to assume a leading position in the peace-keeping mission in Libya last year, hence steering away from the norm of having to rely on NATO for military assistance. However, as events unfolded, it was NATO that once again headed the military mission in Libya. This brought about a number of issues pertaining to the EU-NATO relationship. This dissertation will discuss the diplomatic action, the action taken on the ground and the implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions by both NATO and the EU in order to evaluate the way that events unfolded and to bring out the reasons for the choice of action that was taken. It will discuss, the political questions that arise within the EU itself, namely the fact that a number of European Member States wish to remain neutral, while others might not have the financial means to contribute to a European military sector. Additionally, the financial crisis that struck in 2008 has had an effect on both the EU and NATO. Military arms and equipment are very expensive to maintain. The Libyan crisis has brought out the need for the European members of NATO to contribute more financially to the latter organization. The US plays a crucial role within NATO as one of its largest contributors. The relationship between the EU and NA TO therefore is interlinked with the relationship of the EU with the US. Additionally, there are a number of countries such as France, the UK and Germany that played a vital role in clarifying the roles of the two organizations and how they interact. National political motives of individual countries emerge, creating disagreements within the two organizations. There are opposing opinions as to whether the EU should maintain and even possibly strengthen its ties with NATO or whether the EU should separate itself entirely from NATO and become a viable partner. This dissertation shows that even with the Lisbon Treaty in place, it appears that the EU is far from being prepared to take its place as NATO's equal. NATO, conversely, continues to require EU participation, as it engages itself in separate missions.