The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP) of the European Union in the Light of the Treaty of Lisbon

Abstract

This study dissects the changes to be initiated within the framework of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) of the European Union by the Treaty of Lisbon. The aim of the research is to find an answer to the question whether these changes are able to contribute to the further strengthening of the politico-military identity of the European Union and if so – to what extend is that possible. On the one hand the current challenges within the functioning of the CFSP and CSDP of the European Union, to be resolved by the Treaty of Lisbon are outlined, with a special emphasis on its success along these lines. On the other hand the questions which the Treaty of Lisbon sets on the agenda of the European Union in the sphere of CFSP and CSDP from now on are analyzed by means of the changes which the Treaty brings within the framework of the Union and the challenges which conceal these changes.