ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents a case study of the European Union's (EU) external Mediterranean policy. It argues that the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership demonstrates the EU's capacity to embark upon strategic foreign policy behaviour but that the ability to consistently translate strategic objectives into effective action is not yet in evidence. The book traces the historical evolution of Euro-Mediterranean relations, identifying the main stages in the development of Mediterranean policy. It examines the conceptual problems associated with the development of EU foreign policy, and assesses the theoretical state of the art in EU foreign policy studies and sets out to define strategic action. The book explores the complex nature of EU foreign policy and gives a brief overview of the Union's competencies in that area. It offers a framework for the analysis of EU strategic action.
