Europe in the Shadow of America? Prospects for CFSP / ESDP

Transatlantic Roundtable, July 17-18, 2003, Brussels

19.07.2003 · Improving Responsiveness

The European Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is once again in action. This summer, the EU launched a mission in Congo, which was its first military mission outside of Europe and it did not utilize NATO capacities. Simultaneously, Javier Solana introduced his proposal for a strategic concept and the Convention voiced a demand for a European Foreign Minister. It seems that the Inner-European and Transatlantic differences of opinion regarding the Iraqi war acted as a second wind, stimulating the CFSP.

The question of the upcoming American role arises. Although the CFSP and the European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP) are as such independent, the United States of America, as an important and powerful European partner, continues to play a fundamental role in CFSP/ESDP, as has been seen in the latest crisis. For some European states in Eastern and Western Europe, a strong alliance with the USA is central to their national security and defense policy. It is for this reason that they regard NATO, and not the EU, the more important organization in attaining their security goals.

Javier Solana, the High Representative for the CFSP during his visit to the EU Mission in Bunia (Congo).
Foto: EU

The C·A·P, within the framework of the transatlantic Project "Improving Responsiveness", in cooperation with the European Policy Center in Brussels invited approximately 20 experts from the United States and Europe to Brussels. Over the two-day period, the primarily younger experts from the European Institutions, NATO, the Pentagon and various think -tanks discussed in depth the future of the CSFP / ESDP within the context of the question: "Europe in the Shadow of America?" As in the earlier events directed by the project "Improving Responisiveness," the C·A·P was funded by the German Marshall Fund of the U.S. The German Marshall Fund of the U.S. is an American institution that stimulates the exchange of ideas and promotes cooperation between the Unites States and Europe in the spirit of the postwar Marshall Plan.

AWACS as a transatlantic brigde? The 'Berlin Plus' agreement between the EU and Nato grants 'assured access' of the EU to Nato assets and capabilities.
Foto: NATO

Downloads

Schedule

List of Participants

Summary of the Discussion

Paper by John van Oudenaren

Paper by Fraser Cameron

Links

Transatlantic Project "Improving Responsiveness"

CFSP Project at the C·A·P

The German Marshall Fund of the United States

The European Policy Centre