Advancement of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)

The European Union (EU) has undergone significant changes in its foreign policy and security strategy over the years. Let's take a journey through the key milestones that have shaped the EU's approach to global affairs.

In 1992, the Treaty of Maastricht established the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and cooperation in the area of justice and home affairs, marking the EU's first formal steps towards a unified foreign policy. This laid the groundwork for the CFSP, often referred to as the second pillar.

The Treaty of Amsterdam, which came into force in 1999, added a security and defense policy dimension to the second pillar. It created the position of the High Representative for the CFSP, who was also the Secretary-General of the Council. The Treaty of Amsterdam also introduced the "common strategy" as a new instrument.

The Lisbon Treaty, effective from December 1, 2009, consolidated the EU’s foreign policy and trade under one coordinating figure, the High Representative. This office, now known as the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, combines the previous roles of the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy and the European Commissioner for External Relations. The High Representative is responsible for coordinating and representing the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy, chairing the Foreign Affairs Council, and serving as Vice-President of the European Commission.

With the Lisbon Treaty, the security and defense policy provisions were transformed into a separate policy, the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP). The Treaty of Nizza in 2000 further strengthened the position of the High Representative and established the Political and Security Committee (PSC), the Military Committee of the (EUMC) and the Military Staff of the (EUMS), and the Political and Military Group (PMG), as well as the Committee for the Civilian Aspects of Crisis Management (CIVCOM).

The Global Gateway Strategy 2021 provides the framework for the EU's overseas investments, aiming to help bridge the global investment gap and offering a values-based, high-quality, and transparent infrastructure partnership. Aligning with the UN's Agenda 2030 and the Paris Agreement, the strategy focuses on areas such as digital and green transitions, climate action, and promoting democracy, rule of law, and human rights.

Recently, the Council adopted the "Strategic Compass" as a new foundational document for security policy in March 2022. The "Strategic Compass" aims to strengthen Europe’s security and defense policy by 2030 and address missing interfaces on topics such as resilience, hybrid threats, cybersecurity, and new technologies.

It's important to note that the EU has grown significantly since many of these policies were first adopted. With 27 members, the EU now almost doubles the number it had when the European Security Strategy was adopted. The EU's evolving membership and global environment necessitate ongoing adaptations to its foreign policy and security strategy.

Numerous regional strategies support EU external action, and the High Representative has been tasked with developing a new security strategy focusing on five key objectives. As the EU continues to navigate the complexities of global affairs, these strategies will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping its future on the world stage.