The European Union as an Emerging International Crisis Management Actor and the Development of an Acquis Securitaire
Julia Schmidt, University of Bonn
The European Union has launched and conducted nine crisis management operations of a military nature so far. The EU’s approach to crisis management aims to be unique. It is characterised through a comprehensive concept of crisis management that combines a variety of different measures, including economic sanctions, diplomatic tools and crisis management missions of a civilian or military nature, for example. In addition, the EU’s approach to crisis management is based on the values and principles that have inspired the EU’s own creation, namely the respect for human rights and democracy. The paper will argue that the more the EU will engage in crisis management operations, the more the EU will shape its profile as a security actor and will build up a portfolio. Patterns will develop that indicate when the EU is likely to act and what type of crisis management measures it is likely to use in a certain phase of a crisis. Through its international action, the EU is gradually building up an acquis securitaire. This development is not only of importance for the EU to become a legitimate international military actor but it has also implications for the European member states. The aim of the paper is to assess the development and the nature of the acquis securitaire. Is it a political or a legal concept and how does it affect the EU member states in the conduct of their national foreign policies?