How does the European Union contribute to security?

Abstract

The EU is not a sovereign state in the terms of either Weber or Schmitt. And it is mistake to treat it as if it were. Its major success in security is its contribution, with that of NATO, to the pacification of Europe since 1945, and to its stabilization since 1989. In the last decade its influence has brought stability to the Balkans. The EU is designed for neither force nor fraud; but outside its borders EU military and civilian operations have helped others improve order in their countries or regions. The EU’s ability to combine a non-threatening military, police or monitoring presence with aid is a strength; but to be effective this needs more often to be embedded in a political strategy. The Lisbon Treaty offers hope for this.