European security — a commission perspective

Abstract

The radically changed international situation has elicited a number of responses from European institutions charged with handling and promoting security. The European Union, like NATO, is looking at a process of enlargement and new agreements, and working at inter‐governmental level to act in concert over foreign and security policy issues. But what is now meant by security? And how can the EU deal with the many different issues arising from the breakdown of the old order? Here Dr Fraser Cameron looks at new definitions of security and its changing nature, and explores ‐the institutional responses to these changes, highlighting the role of the EU in struggling to find a common view on security policy. Europe will increasingly have to take on more responsibility for its own security, he concludes, and through its institutions find a single voice to sound its concerns interests and responsibilities.