The EU and Conflict Resolution: Changes after the Lisbon Treaty
Licinia Simao, University of Coimbra
The European Union (EU) has become a central actor for security in Europe, both through its policies of stabilisation and integration and through its growing capacities in conflict prevention and crisis management. One fundamental aspect is the combination of civilian and military instruments, taken from communitarian and intergovernmental policies. This multi-pillar nature of EU action has generally been seen favourably in crisis situations, favouring continuity between prevention, emergency action and stabilisation. This paper looks at the new institutional framework after the Lisbon Treaty, to identify the extent to which the current changes reinforce the ability of the EU to act timely and effectively in crisis/conflict situations, focusing on the changes in military and civilian instruments.