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The European Convention and Common Foreign and Security Policy: more defence, less scrutiny?
Bono, Giovanna
Bono, Giovanna
Publication Date
2004
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© 2004 University of Bradford. Reproduced in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy.
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Abstract
By adopting a multilevel approach to understanding decisions taken in security and defence policies
by European member states, the paper argues that the development of the European Security and
Defence Policy, the proliferation of ad-hoc coalitions of the willing, and the subcontracting of
security tasks from the UN has worsened the challenge of parliamentary accountability in foreign,
security and defence policies.
The paper evaluates how the European Convention has sought to bridge the parliamentary
accountability gap in Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and in European Security and
Defence Policy (ESDP). The outcomes of the Convention on the future of Europe are not meeting
its initial ambition to put foreign, security and defence policy among the priorities for the European
Union¿s constitutional design. CFSP will become more integrated, on an intergovernmental rather
than supranational model and under the large states¿ control. The major innovation is the creation
of the position of Foreign Affairs Minister whose autonomy remains still uncertain, especially in
his/her relationship with the President of the European Council. ESDP¿s operational capabilities
and scope are both extended while coalitions of the willing are institutionalised and a defence core
group could emerge. The contrast remains between a slower integration of CFSP and a faster progress
of ESDP.
Given the significance of proposals in ESDP, the new powers proposed by the European Convention
to be given to national parliaments and the European Parliament in this policy area are too weak to
close the existing parliamentary accountability gap.
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published version paper
Citation
Bono, G. (2004) The European Convention and Common Foreign and Security Policy: more defence, less scrutiny? Bradford: University of Bradford, Department of Peace Studies. Peace studies papers: Fourth series: Working paper, No. 7.
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Working Paper