EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy

EU High Representative Federica Mogherini presented a new EU Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy to the European Council on 28 June 2016.

The Strategy sets out a vision for the EU’s foreign and security policy. It commits the European Union to promoting peace, prosperity, democracy and the rule of law around the world. It recognises the need to invest more in conflict resolution and tackle the root causes of instability. This includes strengthening the Union’s capacity to contribute international peace and security, particularly in support of the UN, as part of an integrated approach involving also assistance for economic development and state and societal capacity building on governance, rule of law and human rights

From Ireland’s perspective, the Strategy includes many positive elements. These include a focus on conflict prevention, the Middle East Peace Process, disarmament, development cooperation, human rights, gender and a commitment to promoting global governance and multilateralism, including the UN.

A plan to implement the Strategy was adopted at the November 2016 Foreign Affairs Council meeting and endorsed by the European Council at its December 2016 meeting.

Ireland played an active role in shaping the EU Global Strategy and will continue to engage closely on its implementation in the coming years.