ABSTRACT
It should be evident from the above that the EU has developed steadily as an international actor during the past decade. More and more the EU operates as a political entity in dealing with terrorism, the Balkans, the proliferation of weapons, the Middle East peace process, African development and many other issues. Much has been achieved, but critics argue that much more could have been achieved with strengthened institutions. This is not obvious because without the political will to endow institutions with authority there would be little real difference in policy output. Foreign policy remains a sensitive area, and member states retain their amour propre. Foreign ministries are also reluctant to negotiate themselves into oblivion, not least because there remain unanswered questions about legitimacy. There also remain significant differences of foreign policy culture, experiences and expectations within the member states, let alone the Council and the Commission. At the end of the day the CFSP depends on the political will of its member states, and there are inevitable limitations in the conduct of foreign policy where national independence and identity rides high. In some important areas the EU finds itself hamstrung, but these areas are growing fewer as the member states come to accept the advantages of working together. Among the arguments one hears for the failings of EU foreign policy are the lack of a strategic culture, the inward-looking behaviour of the member states, the lack of military capabilities and the lack of leadership. Certainly the fact that the US has taken the leadership role in everything of importance as regards European security since 1945 has led to an outsourcing of serious thinking to Washington. The member states are also becoming more inward-looking not least because of the impact of the financial crisis. The lack of military capabilities is only partially true. Europe spends about half what the US spends on defence but it is badly spent with too many over-lapping capabilities. There is also a profound scepticism about the role of military power in most European societies. The re-nationalisation of foreign policy is also apparent. President Sarkozy decided on two important aspects of policy towards Libya (the no-fly zone and the recognition of the rebels) without any consultation with partners. Some argue further that the EU should set a number of priorities and concentrate on these instead of trying to be a global power.
