Introduction

In the 21st century, the European Union (EU) has faced growing foreign and security policy challenges due to escalating multipolarity and regional fragmentation. The rise of multiple global and regional power centres has intensified geopolitical competition, impacting EU security and stability. Concurrently, internal crises like the Eurozone instability, refugee surges, and Brexit have strained EU solidarity. This introduction argues for a shift in understanding EU foreign and security policy through the concept of ‘relational power’, which emphasises the Union’s adaptive strategies in response to external pressures and internal divisions. By integrating both external and internal factors, this perspective offers a comprehensive view of the EU’s role and effectiveness in managing crises.