What is the Common Security and Defence Policy of the European Union? How did it emerge and what obstacles did it face? What is foreseen for it in the Lisbon Treaty? What are its tools and its relationship with NATO? But also, how does the EU see its role in the international system? As a major market or as an international actor? And what does this choice mean and require?

These and many other questions, which concern not only the defense and security of the EU but also its overall future, are attempted to be answered by this book. It also examines the role of European institutions in shaping the CSDP and the major challenges it faces. It studies the efforts to shape a coherent defense and security strategy for the EU, in a rapidly changing world.

The Common Security and Defence Policy is an important aspect of European integration, which aims to lead to autonomy in decision-making and action for the Union in critical issues. It is a difficult journey of a project, a process that is still ongoing and its outcome is by no means predetermined.