‘Parliamentarisation’ of the CFSP: Wishful Thinking or a Rational Choice?

The paper provides an insight into the institutional system of EU external relations, focusing on the role of the European Parliament. It argues that the current intergovernmental set-up of the CFSP is one of the major reasons for EU international under-performance.

Against this background, the paper discusses the potential benefits of the ‘parlimentarisation’ of this policy area, implying deeper Parliamentary involvement in the entire policy cycle (preparation, formation, supervision).

The paper argues that the parliamentarisation of the CFSP would provide a practical and comprehensive solution to a number of diverse problems that the EU has encountered recently. Besides reinforcement of the EU foundations by connecting the CFSP with a grand theory of democratic legitimacy, this process would enhance the transparency, coherence and effectiveness of the policy formation process as well as the accountability of the EU executives involved in this policy area.