Support for enhancing the EU's international profile
In the age of a new global order, the EU is looking to safeguard its interests and values with respect to trade, politics and governance. The EU-funded GREEN (Global re-ordering: Evolution through European networks) project investigated how the EU can defend its own interests in the face of new challenges. It also looked to ensure that European values and objectives influence how this global order evolves. GREEN examined how the EU has developed flexible forms of experimental governance to incorporate different interests in individual policy areas rather than following a rigid one-size-fits-all model. Researchers explored three key policy areas in particular: security; labour, finance and trade; and energy and environment. Project members identified how varied types of behaviour have emerged in different policy areas and the level of success. They examined how several Member States mainly look after their own interests when dealing with key and emerging powers. The team investigated the features of EU regional leadership in main policy domains by addressing the division of power and influence within the three policy areas. It looked at how different forms of national governance can lead to a consistent EU stance. Research pointed to the importance of various regions and regional cooperation in fostering innovation and reform. Overall, findings revealed that the EU's role in global affairs is largely unknown beyond its borders. GREEN stressed the relevance of the EU on the emerging world scene and defined the role it should play in being an effective and true global actor. The project team outlined key policy recommendations and produced a foresight report for policymakers about the future of the EU in the global arena. The project website offers an abundance of policy briefs, working papers and policy suggestions.
Keywords
Foreign policy, governance, GREEN, global re-ordering, global affairs
