A közös kül- és biztonságpolitika (KKBP)
The Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) of the European Union established In 1993 with the Maastricht Treaty aims to: preserve peace and strengthen international security in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter; to promote international co-operation; and to develop and consolidate democracy and the rule of law and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
An important decision in terms of improving the effectiveness and profile of the CFSP was the creation of the office of High Representative for CFSP (1999) whose role it was to co-ordinate EU foreign policy and, in conjunction with the rotating Presidency, speak on behalf of the EU in agreed foreign policy matters.
By adopting the EU Security Strategy (2003) and the subsequent report on implementation (2008), the EU established a strategic approach and set clear objectives for advancing its security interests based on core European values. The strategy takes into account key concerns such as: proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, terrorism, regional conflicts and problems related to state failure, including organised crime.
With the entry in into force of the Lisbon Treaty (2009) the post of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy was created. This post combines three functions: the EU’s representative for the CFSP, the President of the Foreign Affairs Council and a Vice-President of the Commission. At the moment, this post is held by Catherine Ashton.
Member states of the EU define the principles and general guidelines for the CFSP. On this basis, the Council adopts decisions or common approaches.
A major component of CFSP is the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) which includes to date more than 20 civilian and military missions and operations on three continents.