Common Foreign Policy of the European Union, From Maastricht to Lisbon – Legal Analysis

Since the creation of EU, many attempts were made for a closer political union, Common Foreign Policy and Common Defence Policy.However, until 1992 member states didn’t decide to equip themselves with an instrument,Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) that would facilitate their actions to face new challenges on international relations. This study examines the EU International Relations Law, more precisely the role, function, and development of CFSP, since the Treaty of Maastricht (Treaty Establishing the European Union) till the Treaty of Lisbon (Reform Treaty). This study focuseson some important legal issues that arise within CFSP, and gives answers to these issues, covers in general most of the provisions dealing with CFSP, in Treaty of Maastricht, changes and new provisions foreseen with the Treaty of Lisbon. Also, provisions from both Treaties will be presented in a comparative manner followed with opinions, practical examples and when applicable case law