Towards a European Global Strategy

In 2012 the Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI), Real Instituto Elcano (Madrid), Polish Institute of International Affairs (Warsaw) and Swedish Institute of International Affairs (Stockholm) have initiated - on the impetus of the Foreign Ministers of Italy, Poland, Spain and Sweden - a joint think-tank process to pave the way for a European Global Strategy (EGS). The think tank process aims to: initiate a debate and an exchange of ideas on elements of EGS, open to input from other think-tanks, civil society and individuals, as well as representatives of European governments and EU institutions. An EGS that covers all aspects of the EU external action would be instrumental in reinforcing a common European strategic culture, as well as a shared vision and direction in times of flux. As part of the project, the IAI organized a seminar on "EU External Action: Priorities and Policies", held in Rome on January 21-22, 2013, and contributed to the final report. The launch conference of the report EGS was held in Brussels in collaboration with the CEPS on 18 June 2013. Other dissemination events on the EGS initiative are expected during 2013, in view of the December 2013 European Council session.