Joint Venture – Joint Responsibility. EEAS Review 2013

The March informal meeting of EU foreign ministers (Gymnich) marks the starting point of a channelled discussion on EEAS review, creating the prospect for improvements in the institutional dimension of EU external activity. The exercise presents in particular an opportunity to develop a stronger sense of ownership in EU foreign policy. However, the review as such needs to be adequately managed and structured. Thus, the relevant actors should have a say as to the scope, timing and conduct of the review. Under this precondition, the effort invested in the review could contribute to a recommitment by the member states and consequently strengthen the EU’s performance on the international stage.