The institutional dimensions of external action. Innovation in external action and the Constitution for Europe

This essay argues that the Constitution contains a number of useful and innovative recommendations. Although a number of practical challenges in implementing the recommendations can be predicted, their implementation will leave the EU a more able and coherent actor on the international stage. The passage of the Constitution through the various national referenda is not seen as a significant factor since a number of aspects are already being implemented by intergovernmental agreement and this determination will in all likelihood continue into other areas of external relations. Finally, the essay concludes by cautioning that greater efforts are required to communicate to global partners, notably the United States, what type of actor the EU wishes to become, should all of the reforms discussed below be implemented. There is a need to link strategy, institutional reform or innovation, with clearer public diplomacy.