The EU and the Mediterranean in light of the Global EU Security Strategy : Future challenges in neighbourhood, security and defence policies

The Global Security Strategy launched in June 2016 by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security, Federica Mogherini, is key to addressing global pressures in a world undergoing continuous transformation and change and in which this 27-member state political system strives not only to adapt but also to play a more decisive role, now and in the future, on the global agenda. This book aims to introduce readers to the theory and practice of the EU’s External Action, which is based on the principles and values that guide it and that it aims to promote throughout the world: democracy, rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, solidarity, respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and International Law. And, specifically, it aims to introduce readers to the intricacies of EU policy and its role in the Mediterranean, bringing them closer to a comprehensive analysis of the links between the Union and its southern neighbours, with a special focus on the European Neighbourhood Policy and the impact of energy supply and the environment on security and defence. The reflections presented here aim, through the dissemination of the results of the main activities of the Jean Monnet Module “ThEUMed”, to draw the attention of EU policymakers on the southern border of the Union in order to strengthen common understanding between its Member States on the issues of the South and with the southern and eastern Mediterranean countries to address new challenges in the fields of cooperation and international security and defence in the region. Thus, they include the observations of the main members of the academic team of the project and two course graduates. We hope not to leave readers indifferent and that they enjoy reading this volume.