EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy and Lithuania
Volume 2, Issue 1 (2004), pp. 65–93
Pub. online: 18 October 2004
Type: Article
Open Access
Open Access
Published
18 October 2004
18 October 2004
Abstract
The controversial war in Iraq has revitalized the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the European Union (EU), which has been stagnant since Maastricht Treaty and the failure in the Balkans. The development of the CFSP is accumulating acceleration: the EU will soon have not only a common market, common institutions and a single currency, but also a common constitution, minister of foreign affairs and even a common army. The leaders of the larger states are especially enthusiastic about a stronger CFSP as a counterweight to the US dominance in the international security affairs. The authors of this article contend that clearly articulated and globally projected CFSP will not be possible unless common European interests stemming from as common European identity and implemented by common supranational institutions will emerge.
The impact of the CFSP on Lithuanian foreign and security policy will depend on the pace of European integration in this area and the strength of European identity within the political elite of Lithuania and the society itself.
Will this impact be of a positive nature? It will depend on the way Europe will choose: creation of an independent defence structure as an alternative to NATO or development of a cohesive strategic partnership with the US and NATO. In any case, Lithuania will have to constantly seek for a subtle balance between her commitments to NATO, implications of the EU membership and the strategic partnership with the US. In this process Lithuania will need not only impressive indicators of a rapid economic growth or modern military capabilities but especially excellent diplomatic skills to maneuver among the riffs of transatlantic relations in order to safeguard national interests of Lithuania.