Repercussions of the Emerging European Security and Defence Policy on the Civil Character of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership

Abstract

The EU's most important integration project in recent times is her pursuit of an autonomous European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). Due to divergent perceptions, interests and national security identities within the EU, however, ESDP is still lacking a coherent strategy. This deficit provokes critical questions about whether ESDP will remain within the framework of a civil security culture, as developed in the theoretical concept of a European civilian power, or whether ESDP will open the way to a more ‘realistic’ approach to EU foreign policy-making. This question is especially decisive for the Mediterranean Partner Countries (MPCs), since their territories are potential destinations for future ESDP missions. So far, Euro-Mediterranean relations have been organized in the civil framework of the Euro-Mediterranean Partnership (EMP). To what extent will ESDP challenge the special character of the EMP?