From Self-doubt to Self-assurance

Résumé du livre

At a time when the European Union needs to act as a cohesive force to avoid beingoutmanoeuvred by major powers, EU countries and institutions are still struggling to set aside their differences and focus on the common interest. Despite significant achievements, one crisis-decade and two High Representatives / Vice Presidents (HRVPs) on from the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon, the European External Action Service (EEAS) still suffers from a lack of buy-in from member states and other parts of the EU administration.The tenth anniversary of the Service is an opportune moment to take stock of the EEAS’contribution to forging a more active, coherent and visible EU foreign policy. The timing for such a debate is particularly apt due to the rapid global geopolitical contestation with which the EU is confronted, a challenge which the European Commission has already embraced, as have member states (for instance in the context of shaping up European defence policy directed by a new ‘Strategic Compass’).