Irish Diplomacy in a Time of Crisis and the Evolution of a ‘European’ Diplomatic Service

Abstract

In looking at the European Union's External Action Service (EEAS) and the associated implications of the Lisbon Treaty for the Union's diplomacy, we can't lose sight of the needs of the Union's member states. In recent years the foreign policies of several European states have been centrally engaged in national crisis management following the eurozone crisis. In several instances this has included determined efforts to rebuild national credibility, intensively to engage with bilateral partners and multilateral agencies, both in Europe and internationally, and actively to contribute to trade promotion and the attraction of foreign direct investment as part of a programme of national economic recovery. In such a context, where a national diplomatic service is tasked with roles that can be seen to be addressing a near existential crisis for the state, what, if any, role does European diplomatic cooperation (negotiation, information-gathering and representation) play? The following article conducts a detailed analysis of Irish diplomacy in a time of crisis (2008–14), assesses its response to that crisis, evaluates the role of EU-level diplomacy and finally offers conclusions to what this may suggest for the future of EU foreign policy. It thereby offers a somewhat critical perspective on the potential impact and implications of European diplomatic cooperation outside EU borders.