The Future of EU-NATO Relations: a Case of Mutual Irrelevance Through Competition? (in Special Issue: The Future of European Foreign Policy)

Abstract: The future of EU-NATO relations will depend principally upon the ability to find solutions to three interrelated issues. The first is the question of whether transatlantic relations can be improved, most notably through the desire to engage in a genuine dialogue with America's allies and a rapprochement between France and NATO. A sub-theme that will be touched upon in this context is leadership and vision in transatlantic relations. The second is the underlying rhetoric-resources gap that threatens to undermine both EU and NATO abilities to take on responsibility for more challenging operations. Finally, the Cyprus problem lies at the centre of the current impasse between the two organizations and accounts for many of the day-to-day problems.

In each case a number of solutions are suggested but, it is acknowledged, none will be easy to implement. If progress is not made, the EU and NATO risk condemning themselves to growing irrelevance as security actors. The contribution also identifies a number of approaching windows of opportunity to place relations between the EU and NATO onto a more constructive path. If the three problems above are addressed the EU and NATO will remain highly relevant and essential to meeting the multifarious security challenges facing Europe and the wider international community