The European Union’s Common Security and Defence Policy in the Period 2016-2023: Successes and Failures

Abstract

The aim of the article is to analyse the reforms of the European Union’s Common
Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), with particular emphasis on the new EU external
security strategy adopted in 2016 and its evolution, achievements and failures in the
years 2016-2023. In addition, the article will present the European Union’s stance on
Russia’s aggression against Ukraine on 24 February 2022 and its impact on the evolution
and reforms of the CSDP, as well as the necessary changes in the EU’s foreign policy
and the European security strategy. The main thesis statement of the article is that the
reforms of the European Union’s CSDP have been defensive in nature so far and, due to
the current international situation, it should be radically changed. Inter alia, the EU’s soft
power policy should be supplemented with hard power activities. The decision-making
process in matters relating to the EU’s foreign and security policy should also change;
in particular, the use of the right of veto requires urgent reform. This will not be easy
to achieve but it is necessary in order to let the European Union respond quickly and
effectively to emerging threats to the security of its members and peace in Europe.