Abstract EN:

It's ten years since the Common Foreign Security Policy was created and one has to underline its considerable progression in order to measure its weaknesses. Although it is hard to compare with the functioning of the European Community or the member states, it has grown much richer institutionally. The actions created by its decision-making system carry a powerful legitimacy and a " linking quality " as regards the member states and institutions of the E. U. It is the result of a specific institutional balance between the different parties involved in defining this policy. However, the effectiveness of these actions remains uncertain. The decision-making system finds it difficult to establish their coherence with the E. C. Or member state policies. The judicial tools are fragile and political solidarity remains perceived as a stopgap. On the other hand, appealing to the judge is still perceived as nonsense by the member states. That's why the coherence, and the ensuing effectiveness, can only be brought about by individuals (such as High or Special Representatives). The first successes of the Foreign Policy of Common Security are modest. They are nevertheless the proof of the existence of an original legal order, the consequences of which are yet difficult to measure.