The European Security Strategy (ESS) has become an important reference framework for the EU since its inception in 2003. Without strategy an actor can only really be a 'reactor' to events and developments. In the ESS the EU now has a strategy, with which it has the potential of shifting boundaries and shaping the World.

This volume explores this statement and examines the underlying concepts and implementation of the ESS as a judging tool of all the European Union's external actions. Contributors, closely involved in the early debate leading up to the ESS, assess questions...