The European Union as a Security Policy Actor: The Case of Counterterrorism

Abstract: This article examines the actorness of the European Union in the security policy field. Applying and adapting criteria developed by Bretherton and Vogler – namely criteria regarding structure, effect and international status – the European Union is described as a ‘collective actor’. Collective actorness is dissimilar to that of a classical international unit, i.e. the state, but implies that some coherence, cooperation and a certain amount of collective action can be expected. Also, of relevance for the measurement of actorness is the extent of participation in global governance and recognition in international law. After testing the EU on seven criteria, it can be discerned that a certain collective actorness is present, even if problems regarding a ‘common voice’ and the coherence of internal policies still exist.