An emerging diplomatic system for the EU? Frameworks and Issues
Abstract
This paper addresses the general problems encountered by EU’s diplomacy, and specifically the emergence of the EU ‘diplomatic system’ (EUDS). First, the paper analyses the changing nature of diplomacy, identifying issues relating to boundaries, capacity and legitimacy and paying particular attention to multi-level and multistakeholder diplomacy. These are linked with consideration of the EU diplomatic milieu and the issues confronting the emergent EUDS. The discussion then deploys a general framework to consider three areas of diplomatic practice in the EU: first, the institutional development of EU diplomacy; second, the conduct of strategic diplomacy aimed at positioning the EU in the global arena; and third, the development of structural diplomacy which has led to EU engagement in peace-building and state-building. The conclusions review the prospects for the EU’s diplomatic system after the Lisbon Treaty, and identify potential future challenges or opportunities in the world arena.
Published online: 15 April 2016
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Last update: 26/10/2026
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