The Future of the European Security and Defence Policy

Abstract

Abstract : European heads of state and government took a crucial step toward the development of a new European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP) at the European Union's (EU's) Helsinki summit in December 1999. They created the ESDP to allow the European Union to play a more comprehensive role in civilian and military international crisis management backed by credible military power. Today, the ESDP is considered a key element of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) pillar of the European Union. This paper analyzes how the ESDP will develop. It describes briefly the evolution of the ESDP and analyzes the relations between the EU and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO). In addition, it describes the perspective of the United States on European Security and Defence. The paper concludes that the ESDP will be effective if certain actions are taken. Sections are as follows: The Evolution of the European Security and Defence Policy and the NATO-EU Relationship, The U.S. Perspective on European Security and Defence, The Political Will of the EU Member States, European Military Capabilities, and Conclusion.