Key Notes

Progress within the framework of the common foreign and security policy (CFSP)

'Europe is an economic giant and a political dwarf'. The fact that this statement is a cliché does not diminish its truth. In fact, the influence which the European Union has by virtue of being the biggest commercial and financial power on the planet is not matched by its influence on the international political stage, and this is largely because so far Europe has not been capable of reacting with a united voice to world problems and conflicts. Overcoming this deficiency and achieving the ability to respond rapidly, effectively and in a united manner to the problems which arise in the world is the objective of the European common foreign and security policy (CFSP).

1. What is the EU doing in this field?

The EU's ambition to play a role worthy of note on the international stage was a reaction to the disenchantment which arose from the EU's inability to react to conflicts as geographically close as the war in the Balkans. The Treaty of Amsterdam and, later, the Treaty of Nice set out an institutional basis for the structures needed to launch a common foreign and security policy. Its objectives are to safeguard the principles of independence and the common values of the European Union, as well as to maintain peace and international security.

The European Council, the body which drives the EU's priorities, is responsible for determining the strategic interests and objectives of the EU's foreign policy. The creation of the office of the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy was the first crucial and visible step in the launching of a genuine foreign policy. The next step will only be taken when the office of the EU Minister for Foreign Affairs, proposed in the draft European Constitution, becomes a reality.

Meanwhile, the major focus of the EU's foreign policy will be to continue to provide financial and technical support in regions where there is conflict or where there are threats to world stability, peace and prosperity.

2. Achievements of the EPP-ED

The EPP-ED promoted and led the EU's unswerving commitment in support of the Balkans, its participation in the drafting of the road map to achieve peace in the Middle East and in the international coalition against terrorism in the military campaign unleashed in Afghanistan to eliminate the Taliban regime, in response to the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001.

As the EU's enlargement will result in changes to the political and geographical interests of its foreign policy, the EPP-ED has supported new common strategies for relations with the states which will be its new neighbours: Russia, Ukraine and the Mediterranean region. In addition, the group has supported and encouraged the diplomatic efforts made by the EU's special representatives in conflicts such as the Middle East, the South Caucasus, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, in Bosnia-Herzegovina, in Afghanistan and in the African Great Lakes region, all of which are difficult, long-standing and hard to resolve. It has also put forward innovative solutions such as the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe.

3. Objectives for Parliament's next legislature

Aid for the reconstruction of Iraq will be a major focus for efforts over the next few years. It should be no secret that intervention in Iraq resulted in major divergences of opinion between the Member States. The EPP-ED will work to overcome this division. The reconstruction of Afghanistan will also continue to be one of the immediate priorities. Our commitment to mulilateralism arises from our history but also corresponds to our motivations and political objectives. The EPP-ED backs the creation of the post of a minister for Foreign Affairs with extensive powers in the area.

Combating terrorism, the real curse of our age, and its new forms, already occupies a strategic place on the EPP-ED's agenda for the next five years, and will continue to do so. The EPP-ED Group believes it necessary to combine and coordinate as far as possible all possible instruments to protect Europeans from the terrorist threat, including stepping up political dialogue with countries outside the EU, reinforcing intelligence and information tools, and including the use of military or civil capabilities. For all these tasks our relationship with the USA, with which we share common values and aims, is irreplaceable, and we will work to reinforce and consolidate transatlantic ties.

A European security strategy must be directed towards the prevention and resolution of conflicts and, therefore, must take into account, in addition to political considerations, other considerations of an economic, social and inter-cultural nature. The strategy will only be successful if we make a comprehensive analysis of the threats, produce a joint definition of interests - including geographical interests - and if we establish strategic objectives which are common to the EU states (as proposed by the MEP and former French army general, Philippe Morillon). The credibility of the CFSP will also depend, to a great extent, on the EU's capacity to provide itself with the appropriate military resources, which will have to be paid for by the Community budget. The EPP-ED Group commits itself to a rapid mobilisation of EU financial resources to achieve this, for the sake of the effectiveness required by the implementation of the CSFP, provided that the CFSP's executive bodies keep in permanent and rapid contact with the European Parliament's requirements.

Fighting terrorism, weapons of mass destruction and the instability in certain states will be absolute priorities for us. The use of military force as an ultimate weapon is not always enough, and must be combined with other forms of action. Operations such as 'Concordia' or 'Artemis', conducted by the EU in Macedonia and the Congo respectively, demonstrate that Europe is prepared to tackle military operations of a humanitarian nature, including those outside its own sphere of action.

The EPP-ED Group proposes further work to consolidate three vital objectives:

stability and good governance at places which will become new EU borders after enlargement,

attaining more efficient multilateral international cooperation, for which urgent, far-reaching reform of the UN is essential,

better forecasting of new and existing threats.

The European Parliament and the EPP-ED Group will remain highly alert to ensure that the implementation of the CFSP is not an obstacle threatening to divide the EU, but on the contrary, acts as a dynamic factor promoting stability, progress and the maintenance of world peace and prosperity.


Juan Salafranca, Advisor