Strategic Panorama 2009 - 2010 - IEEE

The Treaty of Lisbon and the common security and defence policy
The preamble to the Treaty of Lisbon is highly significant as it enshrines
the determination of the European Union Member States to develop
a Common Foreign and Security Policy including the progressive framing
of a common defence policy which might lead to a common defence,
thereby reinforcing the European identity and its independence in order to
foster peace, security and progress in Europe and in the world.
The Presidency trio from 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2011, comprised
of Spain, Belgium and Hungary, is expected to provide an added value
by ensuring the continuity of the different policies in a broader timeframe,
enabling the Union to consolidate its goals.
It has fallen to Spain, as holder of the rotating Presidency of the Council
in the first half of 2010, to foster the transition to the design envisaged by
the Treaty of Lisbon for the CFSP and the CSDP. In this respect the goals
have been coordinated with the aforementioned actors with competences
in these fields, in accordance with the two principles that will guide the
Spanish Presidency of the Council, innovation and equality, which also
apply to Security and Defence.
The foregoing will be carried out in accordance with the criteria of consensus,
pragmatism and flexibility, in order to apply the principles enshrined
in article 21 of the Treaty of Lisbon, which states that «the Union’s action
on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have
inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it
seeks to advance in the wider world: democracy, the rule of law, the universality
and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect
for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for
the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law».
The challenges faced by the European Union following the entry into
force of the Treaty of Lisbon continue to be substantial. Nevertheless, the
new design of the structures, capabilities and mechanisms with which the
EU has provided itself will enable it to address these challenges with a new
vigour, adapted to future needs.
A whole new range of possibilities have been opened up in the field
of the Common Security and Defence Policy which may enable the EU
to continue with the work carried out so effectively through the European
Security and Defence Policy. The appropriate organisation of the capabilities
for addressing future challenges will require the EU to act in a responsible
and balanced way so as to rise effectively to the challenges of the
Common Security and Defence Policy.
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