The Ukraine crisis has highlighted the flaws in the EU’s technocratic approach to foreign policy

The crisis in Ukraine has exposed a number of shortcomings in EU foreign policy. Björn Fägersten writes on three key reforms which would strengthen the EU’s role in foreign affairs. He argues that the EU should develop shared long-term foreign policy goals, rather than relying on reactive measures to the actions of other states such as Russia. Second, the EU should break with technocratic approaches to foreign affairs and ensure that its policy-making becomes more politicised, driven by clear values and principles. Finally, he advocates an approach which recognises the importance of internal EU policy areas, such as energy and research, to foreign policy outcomes.

• Primary Source

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ESO: Background information: Challenges for European Foreign Policy in 2014: The EU’s extended neighbourhood http://www.europeansources.info/record/challenges-for-european-foreign-policy-in-2014-the-eus-extended-neighbourhood/

ESO: Background information: European Foreign Policy Scorecard 2014 http://www.europeansources.info/record/european-foreign-policy-scorecard-2014/

ESO: Background information: Council Conclusions on the EEAS Review. General Affairs Council, Brussels, 17 December 2013 http://www.europeansources.info/record/council-conclusions-on-the-eeas-review-general-affairs-council-brussels-17-december-2013/

Deutsche Welle, 15.08.14: Opinion: There is no European foreign policy http://dw.de/p/1CvcP

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