The EU on Hamas-Israel and Ukraine-Russia Posted by James Lamond

Since 1999 The EU has been developing a unified foreign and security policy.  The policy has had some successes and some failure, running into many institutional roadblocks along the way.  Already in 2009 the European Union has had two major tests of its foreign policy mechanism.  Europe’s recent roles regarding the Israel-Hamas crisis and the Ukraine-Russia energy dispute are telling of the EU’s role and capabilities in high politics.

Three insights from the EU's role in these events:

1) The established structure for the ESDP and CFSP can be bypassed by member state leaders (i.e. Sarkozy).

As the LA Times, reported yesterday:

“a series of high-level official forays appears to have achieved little and once again laid the European Union open to criticism that it punches far below its weight in the diplomatic arena, if only because it can't seem to decide who does the punching and how hard.

"In the last few days, two separate European delegations descended on the Middle East. One was led by the Czech Republic, which assumed the rotating presidency of the EU last week, and the other by the man who reluctantly gave up that post, French President Nicolas Sarkozy.”

In the end it was Sarkozy, acting in his capacity as President of France, and not the EU that brokered a deal with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.  The rotating presidency, currently in Czech hands, was bypassed by the more internationally known and prestigious Sarkozy.

2) The European Union acts more efficiently as a unified body when there is a universal (or at least near universal) agreement on interests between member states.

Individual European countries responded differently to the events in Gaza, with the Czech government describing Israel's actions as defensive; Sweden blaming Israel for the violence; Gordon Brown calling for an immediate cease-fire; and Holland's Jan Peter Balkenende saying Israel was entitled to act militarily.

It is difficult for the EU to speak with one voice when the individual states cannot agree on what they want to say.  This was the case in the run up to the Iraq war, when the governments of France, Germany, and Belgium strongly opposed the US invasion, while most other governments in Europe supported it.

The EU has so far been more successful in dealing with the Ukraine-Russia energy dispute. One reason is that there is a universal consensus that a halt of gas shipments to Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Croatia, Serbia and Turkey and substantial drops to France, Germany, Austria, Poland and Hungary is obviously a bad thing and there is a consensus on what needs to be done. The agreement for the EU to place international monitors on the ground was brokered by European Commission President Jose Manuel Barrosso, not by an individual members state's leader.

3) The EU’s strongest leverage in international politics is the carrot of membership.

Another reason that the EU was more successful in dealing with Eastern Europe rather than the Middle East is that they hold more leverage as an organization with Ukraine than with Israel or Hamas.  The government in Ukraine wants to be a western oriented country, seeking NATO membership and eventually seeking EU membership.  Barroso "warned both countries — and particularly Ukraine — that failure to help restore supplies could have consequences for their relationships with the European Union."  Holding membership, and the ecnomic and political benefits that come with it, over the head of  countries seeking to enter the union is one of the EU's most powerful tools in international politics.  This was the case early on with Greece, Spain, Portugal, as well as the 1990s with the former Warsaw Pact countries of Eastern Europe, and currently with Turkey, Bosnia, and Serbia.

This is not to say that the European Union is not capable of having a meaningful foreign policy outside of countries seeking membership- in fact there is great potential for the EU in high politics and it would be a valuable partner for the US in dealing with a growing number of international problems. However when Sarkozy overrides the rotating EU presidency and Europe is speaking with two voices, even if they are saying the same thing, it undermines the ability for the EU to be a force in international affairs.  Part of the problem is that the leadership position, and the EU's voice to the world, changes every six months- hardly enough time to foster relationships and develop a coherent foreign policy.  Should the EU ever adopt a Constitutional Treaty or some variation of the Lisbon Treaty, establishing a permanent presidency, this problem could be solved.  

Comments

[Josh J.]

Where is Javier Solana in all this? Perhaps an important measure of the EU's increasing integration will be a more independent and visible representative for the CFSP, who could step up in moments of crisis such as these and articulate something close to a "European" position.

[gucci knockoff handbags]

If you have a TypeKey or TypePad account

[rolex perpetual]

If you are looking for a watch to buy,rolex perpetual come to solve the problem of the not-so-rich category of people. A rolex oyster perpetual can be purchased by many of us, due to the accessible price it can have. A rolex oyster perpetual date will always cost only a few hundred dollars.

[cheap coach bags]

Great comments! You are so nice, man! You never know how much i like'em!

[FFXIV Gil]

Are you fighting in Final Fantasy XIV for FFXIV Gil or Final Fantasy XIV Gil?
Can you suffer yourself being called newbie in FFXIV Gil game?
Are you seeking unofficial Buy FFXIV Gil cheats or Final Fantasy XIV guides in order to make Final Fantasy XIV Gil faster?
Can you get millions of Cheap FFXIV Gil in one day?
Even if you know how to farm Buy Final Fantasy XIV Gil you have to prepare enough Final Fantasy XIV Power Leveling first to buy height class Final Fantasy XIV Items, to upgrade your Final Fantasy XIV characters.
FF14 Gil Then why not Buy FFXIV Gil from us?
In Final Fantasy XIV it's the fastest way FF14 Gil,for you to get rich. We are online 24 hours a day ready and 7 days one week to power up your FFXIV Gil accounts with FFXIV Gil. Here is the best place for the Final Fantasy XIV Online players to buy your Final Fantasy XIV Gil.
We are the professional website in FFXIV GIL sale.FFXIV GIL here,We are professional FFXIV Power Leveling online. We update price every single day to make sure we are the lowest in the market.(we don't compare price with scam sites which uses unbelievable low price to deceive.)
Our slogan:Cheapest price, Fastest delivery, Best service! Final Fantasy XIV GIL
In the 2 years we are in this field , FFXIV GILbuilt many business with tens of thousands of customers. They are very satisfied with our service.So if you want to get a log of Cheap FFXIV Gil ,no doubt ,come to our website to buy. Our customer service is ready for you on line now!(WWW,GM MMO,COM Sell FFXIV Gil)

[werh]

Everyone likes stylish clothes, ed hardy brand favorites.

[3g modem]

well! i like this interesting post,thank you your sharing!

[charlene]

Convenience for you to buy Cheap NFL Jerseys.

[watchstore]

I'm sorry, but it's not good enough to say "do over." The pundits' second thoughts should carry the cargo of their previous assumptions, heady projections and salient selling points.I'm a businessman, but also about this thing.nike air max .

[watches]

2.I bought this Carl F. Bucherer Watch for my husband for our anniversary. He loves it! It is a very classic design and is great for casual or business attire.
3.Great looking Carl F. Bucherer Watch I gave as a xmas gift. Black face almost looks brownish. Nice big face and thick band. Wanted to keep for myslelf.
4.Very Nice Carl F. Bucherer Watch, bought for my husband,. The only problem is that I need to get it sized to his wrist, not really sure if I can buy something to do this or what.. Any suggestions..
5.My boyfriend is set to finish law school soon and I wanted a Carl F. Bucherer Watch that reflected his upcoming transition into the "adult" world. It is beautiful, has a great weight to it and the dial face is great to look at！
6.Bought this for my husband as a Christmas present. I ended up giving it to him early because he had a very important business trip, and I wanted him to look his best. He absolutely loved it! He loves the large face, and the weight of the Carl F. Bucherer Watch. It looks so classy and sophisticated. It added the perfect frosting on my already gorgeous husband!

[syq123]

Money is indeed
Tiffany Bangles important, but Tiffany tassel comb money cannot buy everything. A miser may Tiffany Collection Money Clip think that “money talks,” but if you only give your attention to making money, you may lose many things, such Tiffany Pendants as health, friendship and love. I don't think we should regard money as everything. Money Tiffany Key Rings is just a tool that can help us solve problems or enable us to live a comfortable life. What Tiffany Cuff Link we should do is to use it appropriately and not become misers. This way, all of us can lead a happier lives.

[Cope63239]

pass4sureWhat gift do you want in 2010 Christmas ,here you can get cheap UGG boots? get more Ugg Boots Sale

[nike.com]

I am happy to find this post very useful for me, as it contains lot of information. I always prefer to read the quality content and this thing I found in you post. Thanks for sharing.

[arabmuslim]

There is no democracy in Israel as a state is illegitimate and illegal and not recognized
Evidence of this if anyone wanted to write a comment in the Israeli websites
Does not allow him or be there are many obstacles to prevent him from writing a comment The reasons for Arab-Israeli conflict is the occupation of Palestine in 1948.
Palestine Arab Islamic state like the rest of the Arab and Islamic states surrounding
Them. Means that there are Jews and Zionists in Palestine a big mistake, because this entity
Zionist is not consistent with the surrounding area (such as language, customs, traditions and religion)
The only solution to end the Arab-Israeli conflict is the expulsion of Jews from Palestine
All of Palestine. The Jewish people will not rest and will not feel comfortable and stability
But if it gets out of Palestine and the Middle East completely. If people continue to
Jews in Palestine and the Middle East, the death and destruction will continue.
Palestine Arab Islamic state and will remain

[ugg sale]

t is no use doing what you like; you have got to like what you do.

[Slendertone]

Slendertone System are the leading provider of body toning and fitness equipment products worldwide, which have been proven to help improve muscle tone - specialist EMS (Electronic Muscle Stimulation) toning belts for both men and women, so everyone can look to build on their body tone and muscle definition.Slendertone Flex Belt has a range of products that includes a variety of solutions that has everything you need to get into shape and stay trim. No matter if you are looking to have a firm, toned midsection, a tighter bottom, more shapely arms, and alluring thighs do not fear for Slendertone Abs is here!

[air jordan]

Humor has been well defined as thinking in fun while feeling in earnest.

[air jordan]

Humor has been well defined as thinking in fun while feeling in earnest.

[Designer sunglasses]

Hey, i've been reading this blog for a while and have a question, maybe you can help... it's how do i add your feed to my rss reader as i want to follow you. Thanks.

[explosion proof light]

Iwiss Electric mainly manufacturer explosion-proof fixed professional light, such as flood light, spotlight, dome lamp, ceiling lamp, full plastic fluorescence light, anti-dazzle light, and low carbon light suppliers.

[pandora beads]

Thanks to email notifications, I do look when someone posts a comment ;)

[Designer Bags]

Great recap, I can’t even believe you were able to write that.I got so much anxiety just watching that and I thought I was the only one who had unnatural rage/hate for Kelly, glad I’m not the only one, as I was getting concerned. These women show that you can age without maturing.

[pandora jewellery]

well! i like this interesting post,thank you your sharing!

[yiwu agent]

Wow, these are awesome resources, thanks for sharing!

[haruka]

Algunas joyas con piedras múltiples mientras que algunos sólo utiliza una piedra pandora anillos Las piedras pueden representar un color o vienen en una mezcla de colores caja de pandora Todo el mundo tiene sus diseños de joyería preferida o estilos. Ya sea en plata o de oro, pandora joyas joyería de fantasía o cualquier otro tipo, hay miles de diseños para elegir. Vamos a empezar con piedras. anillos pandora Las piedras se usan en los anillos, collares, pulseras cuerpo, pendientes e incluso las compras para los regalos de la joyería jewelry.When, pandora pulseras observar las joyas del destinatario usa para tener una idea de los estilos que les gustan.Sólo que esta vez, él o ella lo lleva a cabo con mejores herramientas, más materias primas para elegir, alto nivel de diseño, y, definitivamente, un precio de venta más alto! Esto hace que sea mucho más fácil para tamizar a través de miles de products.When joyería en busca de joyas en la Web, la pulsera pandora asegúrese de limitar la búsqueda a los tipos de joyas que te gusta. Utilice los estilos y los temas mencionados anteriormente para reducir su búsqueda.pulsera de pandora Es aún mejor si usted puede encontrar un centro comercial en línea y la búsqueda de la joyería en un solo lugar.

[wholesale]

Hey,this UI of your blog is nice and clean!Good work now,hope you providing more useful information!

[data recovery]

Data recovery software retrieve restore deleted files recover windows hard disk drive deleted formatted partition restores deleted data lost due to disk formats and recover data from usb pen drive stick digital camera memory card

[ugg classic tall]

the highest-grade sheepskin availableugg outlet , is the age which suitable to restore the old, the every large or small varied assortment the classical design again returned to people's line of sight, from the wind series's return, 3 rewirings went forth to battle recently to Classic Short UGG the Garnett ... Classic Tiffany Jewelry. Publisher: Alina008. As we all know that ...ugg classic tall is packed in cartons and Blue Ribbon is the symbol of Tiffany jewelry..

[outlet uggs]

As one specialized outlet uggs on sale,here offers various ugg boots cheap for comfort and fashion, ugg boots clearance is worthy of every penny.

[Hermes Designer Handbags]

Great recap, I can’t even believe you were able to write that.I got so much anxiety just watching that and I thought I was the only one who had unnatural rage/hate for Kelly, glad I’m not the only one, as I was getting concerned. These women show that you can age without maturing.

[Hermes Designer Handbags]

I was reading something else about this on another blog. Interesting. Your position on it is diametrically contradicted to what I read earlier. I am s

[uggs outlet]

When you do article marketing, your intention is to increase the number of visitors to your website. It is not our abilities that show what we truly are, it is our choices. I have look for such a article for a long time, thanks a lot.

[pandora necklaces]

Most shoppers aren’t likely to pay anywhere near what Ben Affleck paid for J. Lo’s ring.

[lingerie]

Support underclothing women or commonly known as undergarment can be described as basic necessity for women's everyday wear. All ladies might wish to comfortable in her own clothes and quite a few specifically along the region of her physique that's believed to be some of the most sensitive and focal division of to be a lady. Then when they end up buying a part, these couple of core things need to be considered and therefore attain the best women's underwear.

Quality - corsets and bustiers must be of very best quality. This little piece could possibly be the smallest issue that girls has on underneath their clothes but it is the basis of being qualified to feel happy. Under garments need to stand quality of your time and really should not wear off easily. Jointly fit nicely and gives the right form on the lower system of the physique.

Size - Put on the suitable size. It's never superior to wear something which is just too loose or too tight. It is essential of the fact that lingerie would fit your buttocks and private region properly in order that it couldn't feel uncomfortable at the bottom. You simply won't also need to fear of folds and creases on the pants because Babydolls hugs your body's cells really well.

Extra Features - This clothing garment needn't be extravagant but it should have attributes designed to make it even more desirable around the eyes of females. It should not only give cover even so it should improve the appear of females. All of it rests about the manufacturing and fabric quality of the corsets and bustiers that provides signifies edge over other types of undergarment.

Support - The most important thing it needs to do will be to give support. Though women's needs concerning lower body support is not as high as males but nonetheless it has to supply a fine degree support towards the women's upper body

Experiencing decent and looking high-quality is essential for a woman. 1st, she would should try to be comfortable in their skin; irrespective what she puts on might always be a doll to everyone. But being allowed to look nice which ultimately triggers feeling superior is not required turn out to be that complicated. All girls needs can be described as couple of ingredients that brings out of best in her and one of the things is the support lingerie Bras for women.

[Sakuraing]

Support underclothing women or commonly known as undergarment can be described as basic necessity for women's everyday wear. All ladies might wish to comfortable in her own clothes and quite a few specifically along the region of her physique that's believed to be some of the most sensitive and focal division of to be a lady. Then when they end up buying a part, these couple of core things need to be considered and therefore attain the best women's underwear.

[Sakuraing]

Support underclothing women or commonly known as undergarment can be described as basic necessity for women's everyday wear. All ladies might wish to comfortable in her own clothes and quite a few pandora charms specifically along the region of her physique that's believed to be some of the most sensitive and focal division of to be a lady. Then when they end up buying a part, these couple of core things need to be considered and therefore attain the best women's underwear.

[moonboots]

Works fantastically to protect both you and your feet from the elements and the hazards they can create.

[wholesale jordan shoes]

Appreciate it for putting up this, studying your web page I’m impressed how quite a bit time you have set into it.

[hermes handbags birkin]

Great post! I actually love how it is quick on my eyes as well as the information is well written. I am wondering how I may be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your rss feed which should do the trick! Have a nice day!

[Windows Keylogger]

It's a good article! so happy to read it!

[Access Password Recovery]

thank you for sharing such a good information

[Access Password Recovery]

i hope you can continue keep well

[Doctor Who]

And Lost which are full of fantasy and amazing. She said she can feel very relax while watching these fantasy movies after a day heavy housework. Yes, she is right, people watch movies for full most.

My Daddy like Greys Anatomy and also Dexter, he likes comedy and he feel very happy while watch these comedy dvd box set, for example: Big Bang Theory

My husband like action and suspense movies most, he feel very exciting when watch these dvd box sets, the master piece should be CSI and Bones

There are too many good dvd sets and movies and we haven’t time to introduce one by one. You can search online to find many famous movies such as Ncis and the new released one Doctor Who

[jason]

I’ll definitely be coming back to your site.

[jordanhappy]

It's because Kobe Bryant plans to make his debut wearing the Grinch edition of the nike sneakers shop

[wow gold]

The different out-and-out wow gold drawing near to distinguish the gender of your tot monk to genesis is for invasive medical demanding called a chorionic villus specimen objection. These tests are not done now the several aim of important the gender of the son; but rolex replica if the practiced is a medical flirt with over the test, the nurture bequeath also demonstrate its gender if the parents ravenousness to be cognizant. incomparable medical procedures that may predict the gender are ultrasound tests. This defiance is not always uttered which depends on quickbooks 2009 the comprehension of the technician further the repute of the machine.

[Thomas Sabo]

If it looks beautiful, everbody? Give me a idea

[arabmuslim]

This is the Zionist terrorism
There is no state called Israel. State of thieves called Israel a basis of the displacement and killing of Innocent nation of thieves basis bloodshed and war And the arrest of people for tens of years to prevent him THE RIGHT TO LIFE. basis steal the land of the Palestinian people And then steal the land of the Arab-Muslim the entire .State of the thieves do not know the law ..... Does not recognize the law of the United Nations, a state that considers itself above the law . the law is the siege of Gaza And the bloodshed and destruction of houses and killing innocent people and occupying the country .This is the Zionist Terrorism State of ISRAEL

[Pandora bracelets]

When the world will be peaceful? I hate war

[Organizasyon]

Super style very very Good...

[wholesale replica handbags]

i like your opinion. 2291 Peek A Boo Bag, m41526 Speedy 30, 1112, m40249 artsy mm, M45257 Messenger Bag, M40156 Neverfull MM, m40144 Tivoli GM, 6089, 211943 sukey, New Jackie

[Ray Ban]

I really enjoy your post .Bookmarked it.

[appleaccessories]

we have so many problems in our reality while we have so many happyness in the dreams.

[New hot sale Jordan shoes]

Sensible folks would rather have friends than money-especially friends with money.

[Ray Ban 3360]

I just wanted to say nice blog, I had never even heard of an engage blog untill I came to this site. I like the layout and design of the post, the integration of the pictures is a nice touch! 10 out of 10 .

[cheap dunk]

Action is the foundational key to all success.Wholesale Newport Cigarettes