LibGuides: External relations: EU Publications

EU Publications

Commitments made at the hearing with Josep Borrell Fontelles High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President designate of the European Commission by Directorate-General for External Policies of the Union (European Parliament)
Publication Date: 2020
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President-designate of the European Commission, Josep Borrell, appeared before the European Parliament on 7 October 2019 to answer MEPs' questions. During the hearing, he made a number of commitments which are highlighted in this document. These commitments refer to his portfolio, as described in the mission letter sent to him by Ursula von der Leyen, President-elect of the European Commission.
Extraterritorial sanctions on trade and investments and European responses by Directorate-General for External Policies of the Union (European Parliament)
Publication Date: 2020
Recent US measures directed against Iran, Cuba and Russia (North Stream 2) have become indirectly a critical challenge for the European Union as well. As they purport to deter economic actors under EU jurisdiction from engaging with target countries, they have an important extraterritorial dimension, which affects EU business and individuals and ultimately the sovereignty of the EU and its Member States. A review of the existing sanction regimes and of the geopolitical context reveals that other international players and the PR China in particular may follow suit in using such measures. The study shows that extraterritorial sanctions have important economic implications, particularly for the EU and its vulnerabilities.
The CSDP in 2020: the EU's legacy and ambition in security and defence by European Union Institute for Security Studies
Publication Date: 2020
The past 20 years of the Common Security and Defence Policy have taught us more about the EU as an international actor. While the Union has not entirely lived up to the ambitions set down by European ministers at the Helsinki European Council in December 1999, the EU has developed the ability to deploy civilian and military missions and operations. In more recent years, the EU has advanced cooperation on defence through the EU Global Strategy with a range of new tools.
Turning the tide: how to rescue transatlantic relations by European Union Institute for Security Studies
Publication Date: 2020
The transatlantic partnership is in crisis (again!). Structural factors, toxic political rhetoric and malign foreign influence are in danger of pushing the two sides of the Atlantic even further apart. A sustained effort to rescue the transatlantic relationship is needed, but how can the transatlantic partners reaffirm the strength and endurance of their strategic bond? And where to begin? This book offers an overarching view of the major factors, trends and areas that are likely to shape transatlantic relations as the 2020s unfold.
A blacklist is (almost) born: building a resilient EU human rights sanctions regime by European Union Institute for Security Studies
Publication Date: 2020
In the sanctions practice of the EU, human rights motivations feature prominently, reflecting their centrality to the Union’s foreign policy. This Brief discusses plans to create a new EU sanctions regime addressing gross human rights violations.
Relations between the EU and the Western Balkans: recommendations of the EESC by European Economic and Social Committee
Publication Date: 2019
The EU Neighbourhood, especially the candidates and potential candidates for EU accession, is at the very top of the priority list for the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) with regard to external relations. In order to contribute effectively to the EU accession negotiations, the EESC's policy has been to establish Civil Society Joint Consultative Committees only after the first chapters of negotiations have been opened.

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Summaries of EU legislation

External relations
The work of the European Union (EU) in the area of external relations includes the negotiation of trade agreements, and cooperation on energy, health, climate and environmental issues, often in the context of international organisations such as the United Nations. It also operates European Neighbourhood Policy programmes in relation to its closest international neighbours. Under the Lisbon Treaty, which came into force in 2009, there was a reorganisation of the EU's external relations work with the creation of the European External Action Services (EEAS), the European Union's diplomatic arm, and the post of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
Foreign and security policy
The foreign and security policy of the European Union (EU) aims to enable the 28 member countries to carry more weight on the world stage than if they were to act alone.
As well as preserving peace and bolstering international security, the policy seeks to promote democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and freedoms around the world.The 2009 Lisbon Treaty established the EU’s diplomatic arm, the European External Action Service (EEAS) under the authority of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy.

Fact Sheets on the European Union

The EU’s external relations

The European Union’s action on the international scene is guided by the principles that inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which are also embedded in the United Nations Charter and international law. The promotion of human rights and democracy is a key aspect. The Union also highlights its strategic interests and objectives through its international action. It will continue to broaden and enhance its political and trade relations with other countries and regions of the world, including by holding regular summits with its strategic partners such as the United States, Japan, Canada, Russia, India and China. It also supports development, cooperation and political dialogue with countries in the Mediterranean, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, Eastern Europe, central Asia and the western Balkans.

Foreign policy: aims, instruments and achievements

The EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) was established in 1993 and has since been strengthened by subsequent treaties. Today, Parliament scrutinises the CFSP and contributes to its development, in particular by supporting the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU Special Representatives (EUSRs) and the EU delegations. Parliament’s budgetary powers shape the scale and scope of the CFSP, as well as the EU financial instruments that sustain the EU’s foreign activities.

European Parliament Think Tank

Policy area : Foreign Affairs - Collection of various briefings and studies

External relations: EU Publications

In the Council