Shaping a credible EU foreign policy

It is clear that Europe needs to pool its resources if it wants to play a greater role in the world. But progress towards a coherent and effective EU foreign policy has been slow. Steven Everts examines the reasons why – and offers an agenda for reform. He proposes 'five rules' for a more credible EU foreign policy. 1. Streamline decision-making and give the High Representative for Foreign Policy, currently Javier Solana, more resources. 2. Ensure better co-ordination within the EU institutions, and between the EU and the member-states. 3. Play to your strengths: champion international organisations and global rules. 4. Set meaningful priorities, and then stick to them. 5. Think strategically and globally, but start with the 'near-abroad'.
Steven Everts was senior research ellow and director of its transatlantic programme (2000-2004).