The European Union (EU) is a supranational union of 27 Member States which exists to promote peace, democratic values and economic development throughout the world. As a collective, the EU has a global reputation for the effectiveness of their foreign policy and diplomatic relations.The EU Foreign Policy is the framework for how the EU engages with other countries and regions on the global stage, and sets out the principles, values and objectives that guide the Union’s external action. In this article, we will discuss the goals, strategies, and achievements of the EU Foreign Policy.

Goals of the EU Foreign Policy

The main goal of the EU Foreign Policy is to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security, and the promotion and protection of human rights and democracy throughout the world. The EU is committed to facilitating and encouraging the development of strong regional partnerships and initiatives, as well as promoting global economic stability, free trade and sustainable development. The promotion of the EU’s core values and principles – democracy, the rule of law, freedom and respect for human rights, free markets and free trade – is also a priority of the EU Foreign Policy.

Strategies of the EU Foreign Policy

The EU’s foreign policy strategy is based on four approaches:

  1. Bilateral Relations: The EU works to strengthen bilateral relations through diplomatic engagement, joint initiatives and dialogues with other countries and blocs, as well as the United Nations.

  2. Regional Approaches: The EU recognises that a conflict or challenge in one region can have an impact on other regions, and so works to build strong regional partnerships and implement initiatives that promote peace and stability.

  3. Multilateral Cooperation: The EU is committed to working with other countries and organisations, such as the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the African Union (AU), in order to promote international peace and security.

  4. Collective Action: The EU works to promote and implement collective action on global issues such as terrorism, climate change, and transnational organised crime.

Achievements of the EU Foreign Policy

The EU Foreign Policy has achieved a great deal since its establishment in the early 1990s. Here are just some of the EU Foreign Policy’s notable achievements.

  1. The EU has successfully promoted peace, stability and cooperation in regions such as Central Europe, the Balkans, the Middle East and North Africa.

  2. The EU has been an active participant in international organisations such as the United Nations, the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and the African Union (AU).

  3. The EU has successfully negotiated and implemented free trade agreements with many countries and blocs, such as the USA, Canada, and Japan.

  4. The EU has been at the forefront of global efforts to combat climate change, and has successfully implemented numerous schemes to reduce emissions and increase energy efficiency.

  5. The EU has played an important role in the broader international community, providing humanitarian aid and development assistance to countries in need.

The EU Foreign Policy is an important part of the social, economic and political landscape of Europe, and has been highly successful in promoting peace, stability and economic development throughout the world. The main goals of the EU Foreign Policy are to promote peace and security, to foster strong regional partnerships, to promote the EU core values and principles, and to facilitate and encourage global trade and sustainable development. By following its own carefully-designed strategies, the EU has achieved a great deal in the realm of diplomacy and international engagement, and can serve as an example for other countries and organisations looking to strengthen their foreign policy.