FRIDE Changing approaches to security

The EU's approach to fragility in Guinea Bissau: Between ambition and coherence

Oladiran W. Bello — 2012-02-11T18:39:52+01:00

The EU’s vast potential to address state fragility in West Africa remains unfulfilled. In Guinea Bissau the EU’s weak political analysis, perfunctory multilateralism and mistimed reform incentives have constituted critical roadblocks. To counter the perception that the EU seeks to dominate the international agenda, future engagement must calibrate support to domestic reform constituencies whilst reaching out to myriad international stakeholders.

With the suppot of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

The EU's role in addressing state fragility in Ivory Coast

Cristina Barrios — 2012-02-11T18:39:52+01:00

The crisis in Ivory Coast tested the EU’s post-Lisbon Treaty capacity for external relations. Although it took some positive steps, the EU did not develop a country strategy that responded to the political dynamics of Ivory Coast and ultimately failed to take international leadership on the crisis. This policy brief argues that the EU must make the move from being a development donor to a strategic diplomatic partner in Ivory Coast.

With the suppot of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Improving European policy towards fragile states

Clare Castillejo — 2012-02-11T18:39:52+01:00

An analysis of the EU’s current response to fragility reveals problems with both ‘how’ the EU works in fragile contexts and ‘what’ it seeks to do. The EU needs to improve its processes, instruments and programmes. However, it also needs to develop a clearer political vision of what constitutes fragility and what Europe’s unique role should be in responding to it. This involves engaging with the latest knowledge, moving away from blue print solutions, and developing innovative responses that build on Europe's comparative advantages. Institutional changes within Brussels provide an opportunity to reinvigorate the EU's response to fragility, but so far this opportunity has not been seized.

With the suppot of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg.

Ukraine in EU security: an undervalued partner

Kateryna Zarembo — 2012-02-11T18:39:52+01:00

For years Ukraine has been a European Union security partner. However, analysis of the current stage of EU-Ukraine security relations invites a surprising conclusion: while the EU is worried about Ukraine moving towards Russia, it is in fact the EU that seeks greater cooperation with Russia on security issues, which risks excluding Ukraine from the emerging European security architecture.