Der Europäische Rat und die Außen- und Sicherheitspolitik der Europäischen Union: Spagat zwischen Einstimmigkeit und Effizienz

This contribution analyses the role of the European Council in the foreign and security policy of the European Union (EU) as both the architect of the system of external action and the provider of guidelines for policies in trade, enlargement, defence or diplomacy. On top of this, it represents the indispensable centre of gravity of all crisis management decisions in response to serious internal and external challenges facing the EU. However, increasing global disorder is revealing growing tensions among member states, which in the future will require a high degree of flexibility and creativity from the European Council in order to maintain Europe’s capacity to act while balancing unanimity and efficiency.