 |
2010 was a turbulent year for the European Union's foreign policy. What are the prospects for 2011? Can we expect a calmer period of recuperation and rebuilding in Europe’s external relations? Or are there even more serious and disquieting challenges over the horizon? FRIDE looks forward and presents the ten most important challenges for the EU in 2011.
 |
The Lisbon Treaty celebrates its first birthday. While Brussels has immersed itself in seemingly arcane debates over institutional fine-tuning, the scales of global power have tipped decisively against the European Union. In a rush to deal with decline, European governments err in defensively abandoning many of the EU's supposedly core values. So, what do we do about it?
Belarus’ presidential elections, on 19 December, come at a difficult moment for the country. Belarusians are ready for change, but Lukashenka is expected to remain in power. With no serious challenger, the biggest threat to his success is the turnout.
The EU's Common Position on Cuba remains unchanged. Current practice represents a compromise between the Spanish Government’s proposal to abandon a common approach and defence of the status quo by Germany and other European countries. Catherine Ashton has been mandated to present, before the end of the year, a strategy on future relations.
It is time for Spain to reassess its African foreign policy and develop a strategic, forward-looking vision that recognises the continent’s complex reality and goes beyond charitable rhetoric centred on development aid.
Spain has lost influence at the international level. The new Foreign Affairs Minister, Trinidad Jiménez, has neither much time nor much room for manoeuvre. FRIDE presents 10 ways in which the new minister must improve Spain’s foreign policy.