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EU Foreign Policy (CFSP)

How the EU attempts to speak with one voice on foreign policy, why unanimity requirements make this nearly impossible, and the gap between ambition and reality.

The CFSP Structure

The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) is the EU's framework for coordinating the foreign policies of its member states. Unlike trade policy, where the European Commission negotiates on behalf of all members with full authority, foreign policy decisions require unanimity in the European Council or the Council of the EU. Any single member state can veto a foreign policy position.

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs, currently Josep Borrell (succeeded by Kaja Kallas in 2024), chairs foreign affairs Council meetings and represents the EU externally. The European External Action Service (EEAS) functions as the EU's diplomatic corps, with delegations in over 140 countries. Despite this institutional architecture, the CFSP has no independent military capability and depends entirely on member states' willingness to act in concert.