Welcome
The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
The entry into force of the Maastricht Treaty of 1993 transformed European Political Cooperation (EPC) into the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). The Lisbon Treaty of 2009 further strengthened the CFSP.
Post of High Representative: key step for ensuring more joint action
The principle of unanimity among the member states continues to apply as regards decision-making (apart from a few limited exceptions). However, the new institutional framework –with the creation of the post of High Representative, who is also the Vice-President of the Commission, and the establishment of a European External Action Service – is a major step towards the integration of EU foreign policy.