Joining forces: necessary steps for developing the comprehensive approach

Abstract

In June 2016 Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), will unveil the new EU Global Strategy. The document succeeds the European Security Strategy of 2003. One important concern associated with this initiative is to develop the EU's "comprehensive approach" into a "joined-up approach". For that to succeed, the EEAS and the Commission will have to formally define who sets the EU's priorities, makes decisions, and enforces these on the ground; regional strategies will need to be immediately backed up by action plans. The EEAS should appoint a representative for the implementation of regional strategies having the requisite authority with respect to all EU actors. Finally, the EEAS and the Commission should develop "strategic budgets" to fund the priority projects of EU external action in regions for which the EU has adopted strategies. (author's abstract)