Effective multilateralism and the EU as a military power: the worldview of Javier Solana

The worldview of Javier Solana, first holder of the post of European Union High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, depicts a multipolar world which is full of negotiable conflicts. As a result of the impact of globalisation, member states are pressed to integrate further in the EU. Solana portrays an international scene where the EU enjoys a positive international image and which is favourable to a greater role for the EU. However, the EU is far from fulfilling its potential due to several ‘internal’ obstacles. These impediments come solely from inside Europe and the lack of adequate EU military capabilities ranks high among them. Regarding the objectives of the EU foreign policy, Javier Solana does not perceive any trade-off between the values and interest. Although Solana’s concept of multilateralism is decidedly flexible, one of the EU priorities is pushing for a more multilateral international scene. To conclude, Javier Solana aims with his worldview to represent, shape and, maybe more importantly, implement the existent European consensus in foreign affairs.