CSFP and EEAS

Question 1

What makes decisions for the CSFP?

Answer 1

The European Council decides policy objectives and instruments, such as common strategies and joint actions

Question 2

What is the General Affairs and External Relations Council

Answer 2

The principal decision-making body that brings together their foreign ministers.

Question 3

Decision making process of the CFSP

Answer 3

All decisions are made solely on the basis of unanimity

Question 4

Achievements of the CSFP

Answer 4

The EU had developed strong international trade and aid links with other countries

Question 5

Criticism of the CSFP

Answer 5

It lacked a consistent and unified voice with which to speak on political matters

Question 6

Criticism of the EEAS

• Cost

Answer 6

The EEAS will mean a new layer of EU bureaucracy, potentially wasteful of taxpayers’ money and competing with national diplomatic servicers.

Question 7

Criticism of the EEAS

• Superstate

Answer 7

An encroachment of EU powers, a further step towards an EU ‘superstate’

Question 8

Criticism of the EEAS

• Budget

Answer 8

Although it is a tiny part of the EU’s overall budget, it straitened economic times spending on the service’s headquarters and its generous salaries has provoked criticism.

Question 9

Democratic accountability of the EEAS spending

• Parliamentary approval

Answer 9

Parliamentary approval is required for the EU budget to take effect.

Question 10

Democratic accountability of the EEAS spending

• Commission and MEPs

Answer 10

The funding for EEAS operations will come under the Commission’s budge, which MEPs scrutinise

Question 11

What is the role of the EEAS

Answer 11

Make recommendations on defence and security but final decisions are in the hands of the Council

Question 12

Positive of the EEAS

• Unanimous decision

Answer 12

Final decisions still have to unanimous – individual member states retain the power of veto. This means that whether the EEAS can take its influence depend on how much backing it gets from members states.

Question 13

Positive of the EEAS

• Estonia and Malta

Answer 13

Small EU nations such as Estonia and Malta may turn to the EEAS to help with consular work in countries where they cannot afford to run their own embassies.

Question 14

Positive of the EEAS

• Small and new member states

Answer 14

The EEAS gives small / new member states a chance to widen their coverage and get access for their non-resident ambassadors

Question 15

Example of EEAS missions abroad

• Operation Sophia

Answer 15

An increase in the resources of Frontex (Border force), which runs the EU’s Mediterranean rescue service – Operation Sophia (in short EUNAVFOR Med)

Question 16

The amount of missions the EU was engaged under the CFSP

Answer 16

At the end of 2015, the EU was engaged in 17 missions, 11 are civilian and just 6 military, some were mandated by the UN, others were the result of host country agreements

Question 17

What is Frontex?

Answer 17

Frontex does not have its own equipment but its guards deploy helicopters and boats owned by member countries. For example, paying for fuel and basic maintenance

Question 18

What was the EU Turkey deal in March 2016?

Answer 18

For every Syrian migrant sent back to Turkey, one Syrian already in Turkey will be resettled in the EU. Turkey reacts angrily after the European parliament

Question 19

Why does Frontex erode sovereignty?

Answer 19

The force of 1,500 guards would be able to deploy even if a member state did not ask for its help. National border guards in EU member states will be supported by the new European Border and Coast Guard.

Question 20

Success of the EU and Turkey Deal March 2016

Answer 20

It has been a success because fewer than 50 people a day have arrived on Greek shores in recent weeks compared with 1,900 a day one year ago.

Question 21

The role of smaller states in terms of foreign policy

Answer 21

Smaller member states have few military / defence resources

Question 22

France and the UK in foreign policy

Answer 22

France and the UK gain little from adopting a common European position because they are already in Nato.

Question 23

Argument for the CSFP

• Smaller EU countries

Answer 23

Co-operation on foreign policy gives smaller EU countries a louder voice on the world stage

Question 24

Argument for the CSFP

• enhancing security

Answer 24

The CFSP is an effective way of enhancing security around the EU by emphasising shared goals and values

Question 25

Argument for the CSFP

• Pooling diplomatic resources

Answer 25

Pooling diplomatic and defence resources (2003 agreement Berlin Plus) allows members to save money because they can share know-how and hardware