The Post- Lisbon Scene: the European Union’s Aspirations and Commitments in Managing Crisis in Europe and its Periphery

Abstract

Since the Lisbon Treaty came into effect in December 2009, concerns have been expressed that the European Union (EU) policies in the field of crisis management are still not coherent, effective and visible. Aiming to identify the possible role, capacities and potential of the EU in managing the crisis in Europe and it periphery, the paper explores the next commitments and directions of the EU following its stated aspirations for more competitive and leading role in the field of security and defense since the Lisbon Treaty. The paper addresses as well as the issue of positioning of the European Union within the new European security architecture following the new developments with the Lisbon Treaty of 2009.