A strategy for CSDP - Europe's ambitions as a global security provider. Egmont paper NO. 37, October 2010

The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty constitutes an important juncture for the EU, which merits a strategic reflection about the objectives and priorities of CSDP. When and where should the EU contribute, or even take the lead, in conflict prevention, conflict resolution and crisis management, with its full range of diplomatic, civilian and military instruments? That ought to be determined by a more complete European Security Strategy (ESS) – the grand strategy – that outlines the EU’s fundamental objective and its vital interests, by the foreign policy priorities flowing from that grand strategy, and by the EU’s specific interests and objectives vis-à-vis an issue or region. In this Egmont Paper, we will argue that the building-blocks are already available – it remains for the EU to construct the edifice