European Union’s Policy Engagement
Background
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic union consisting of 27 member states
predominantly located in Europe. Operationally, it operates through a network of "supranational
institutions" that oversee, analyses, and settle the decisions and policies made by this supranational
entity. Consequently, the EU aims to facilitate the unrestricted movement of products, services, and
people among its member states by implementing a well-structured and efficient system,1 thereby
eliminating visa requirements. In addition to its internal commitments, the EU has also implemented a
strategy for overseas participation. This policy outlines the approach that the European Union takes
when interacting with external entities. The EU's engagement strives to promote economic and people-
to-people connections among member states, while also advocating for a peaceful and stable external
environment. The EU seeks to contribute to a prosperous and equal world, ensuring equal rights for all
citizens. This is mostly accomplished through diplomatic contacts, development assistance, and
promoting cooperation with other states and international organizations. 2
Global Response to Covid-19
The EU budget for the period of 2021-2027, along with Next Generation EU, the recovery plan, would
allocate €1.8 trillion to assist individuals, businesses, and regions, with a particular focus on those that
have been most severely impacted by the crisis. Furthermore, the SURE program, which stands for
Support to Reduce Unemployment Risks in an Emergency, aims to safeguard employment and provide
assistance to families in 19 Member States.
1
Gabel, M. (2019). European Union | Definition, Purpose, History, & Members. In Encyclopedia Britannica.
[Link]
2
Information for Schools and Colleges. (n.d.). [Link]. Retrieved May 7, 2024, from
[Link]
The European Union is dedicated to guaranteeing the widespread distribution of secure vaccines around
the globe. The Commission and EU Member States have committed more than €2.2 billion to COVAX,
the worldwide project that aims to provide equitable access to COVID-19 vaccinations. Additionally,
they are assisting vaccination programmers in partner countries.
Currently, the EU is addressing the difficulties posed by a progressively intricate and swiftly evolving
global environment, taking into account two significant global occurrences - the declaration of the global
pandemic in March 2020 and Russia's unwarranted and unlawful action against Ukraine in February
2022. These emerging dangers have necessitated a heightened level of collaboration among all 27
Member States, demanding quicker and more decisive action than ever before. 3
Collaborating with foreign counterparts to enhance worldwide
environmental regulations.
The European Union is at the forefront of international initiatives aimed at combating climate change. 4
The organization is actively collaborating with other nations and areas to accomplish the objectives of the
Paris Agreement, which seeks to restrict the rise in global temperatures to less than 2 °C above pre-
industrial levels. Additionally, it is striving to minimize the increase to 1.5°C. The European Union (EU)
has made a firm commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. 5 To reach this goal, the EU has set a
target of reducing net greenhouse gas emissions by a minimum of 55% below the levels recorded in 1990
3
Hossain, K. (2015). EU Engagement in the Arctic. Arctic Review on Law and Politics, 6(2), 89–110.
[Link]
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4
European Council. (2022, December 20). Tackling climate change in the EU - Consilium. [Link]; European
Council. [Link]
5
McGrath, M. (2018, November 28). Climate change: EU aims to be “climate neutral” by 2050. BBC News.
[Link]
by the year 2030. The inaugural European climate law will establish these objectives as binding, while the
comprehensive collection of policies comprising the European Green Deal will facilitate European
individuals and enterprises to reap the advantages of a sustainable green transition that ensures inclusivity.
Security and Protection
The European Union provides assistance to nations experiencing conflicts and catastrophes. The European
Peace Facility signifies the EU's increased commitment to serving as a global security provider. The
facility provides financial support for the shared expenses of military missions and operations conducted
under the common security and defense policy, as well as peace support operations in collaboration with
partners like the African Union. Additionally, it enhances the defense capabilities of partner nations and
regional and global institutions. It has played a crucial role in assisting Ukraine in its efforts to counter
Russia's military aggression. Following Russia's incursion into Ukraine in February 2022, the European
Union has implemented measures to reinstate global food security through international collaboration. The
European Union (EU) and its Member States have been the primary contributors in the global effort to
address the Syrian crisis. They have provided substantial financial assistance, amounting to over €27
billion since 2011, to support individuals in Syria and the surrounding region. Following Russia's
incursion into Ukraine in February 2022, the European Union has implemented measures to reinstate
global food security using international collaboration. The European Union (EU) and its Member States
have been the primary contributors in the global effort to address the Syrian crisis. They have provided
substantial financial help, amounting to over €27 billion, since 2011, to assist individuals in Syria and the
surrounding region.
The European Union's policy of participation in the Arctic region
Recently, there has been a significant change in the European Union's approach to engaging with other
entities. The European Union has increasingly developed its interest in the Arctic region and its affairs
during the past decade. The European Union has recently published a collection of documents that
illustrate its expanding aspirations in the Arctic region. The shift in approach is not motivated by any
objectives related to resources, but rather by a focus on knowledge-based responsible governance and
sustainable development (Hossain, 2015). The European Union aims to address climate change and
promote a sustainable environment on a global scale. This objective is achieved through the establishment
of direct bilateral and multilateral cooperation agreements. Nevertheless, the European Union encounters
significant obstacles arising from intricate factors such as geopolitical dynamics, environmental
difficulties, and the need maintain a delicate equilibrium of economic interests. Although this strategy has
not yet been implemented, all the essential parties and actors are 6committed to fulfilling this method.
6
Hossain, K. (2015). EU Engagement in the Arctic. Arctic Review on Law and Politics, 6(2), 89–110.
[Link]
%3A6e856b1b94efcebda811fed4145bd3a5&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1
EU Engagement with Climate Action
EU has made climate change action a part of its external policy in which all the EU members will world
together to solidify the international response and create effective efforts in the climate action on global
level. In the climate change action EU countries have shown ambitious goals to work for the cause of
environment despite the fact that EU countries only contribute 8% in the global emission.
The Green Diplomacy
In 2024 March the Council approved conclusions in which EU has committed its role in promoting a
“just and inclusive green transition” in a multilateral cooperation with the countries all around the world.
In the conclusion EU highlighted the seriousness of the situation because of the accelerating biodiversity
loss, pollution and triple planetary crisis of climate change that poses a grave threat to the security of the
state. European Council also showed deep concerns about the harm that the increasing climate change is
causing to the living beings all across the world and what retribution it can cause to the human and
environment along with the accelerating armed conflicts.
EU and its member states being the largest provider of public climate finance in the world has been
contributing to the cause of climate change beyond its limits. In 2022, EU provided almost €28.5 Billion
funds to the developing countries all across the world. The main reason behind this financial resources
was to help support these countries adopt the mitigation action of EU partner countries so that they can
reduce their carbon emission and take action against the climate changes while supporting EU
Climate change action. 7
Cooperation on climate action with non-EU countries
Through bilateral engagement, the EU aims to advance global climate action and support partner
countries in their efforts to tackle climate change.
EU climate cooperation with neighboring countries
Priorities for bilateral climate engagement with the EU's neighboring countries.
EU climate cooperation with the Asia-Pacific region
Priorities for bilateral climate engagement with the countries of the Asia-Pacific region
7
Climate goals and the EUs external policy. (n.d.). [Link].
[Link]
EU climate cooperation with the Americas
Priorities for bilateral engagement with the countries of North America, Latin America and the
Caribbean
EU climate cooperation with Africa
Priorities for Bilateral Climate Engagement with Africa8
EU Engagement Policy on Human Rights
The EU is dedicated to executing the complete human rights and democracy program outlined in the
2012 Strategic Framework for Human Rights and Democracy. This framework continues to direct the
Union's operations with the EU human rights guidelines, Council Conclusions, and strategy papers. The
European Union will persist in advocating for and safeguarding the universal and inseparable nature of
all human rights through collaboration with nations from all areas, in intimate coordination with
international and regional institutions.
The European Union will intensify its endeavors to foster a secure and conducive atmosphere in which
civil society and independent media can thrive. The European Union underscores the significant role
played by civil society actors and human rights defenders in promoting peace, security, stability, and
prosperity.
The EU restates its dedication to the advancement and safeguarding of all human rights, encompassing
both civil and political rights, as well as economic, social, and cultural rights. The European Union urges
all nations to enforce the articles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to formally adopt
and enforce the major international human rights agreements, including fundamental labor rights
conventions, as well as regional human rights instruments. 9
8
EU engagement on climate action with non-EU countries - European Commission. (n.d.). [Link].
[Link]
eu-countries_en
The European Union will persist in advocating for the preservation of freedom of expression, opinion,
assembly, and association, both in digital and physical realms. These rights are indispensable for the
functioning of a democratic society. The objective is to advance the principles of religious freedom and
combat all forms of discrimination, including those based on race, ethnicity, age, gender, or sexual
orientation.
Additionally, it aims to advocate for the rights of children, minorities, indigenous peoples, refugees,
migrants, and individuals with disabilities. 10 The European Union's Action Plan on Human Rights and
Democracy was published in December 2015. The EU will persist in advocating for the rights and
empowerment of women in all circumstances by combating discriminatory legislation, gender-based
violence, and marginalization. The European Union will enhance its endeavors to advance economic,
social, and cultural rights.
EU will bolster its initiatives to guarantee equal and unrestricted access to essential services, with a
specific emphasis on impoverished and marginalized communities. The European Union shall actively
promote and support the execution of the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human
Rights. The death penalty and torture are grave infringements upon human rights and human dignity.
Inspired by the increasing global movement to eliminate the death sentence, the EU will persist in its
ongoing efforts to oppose the death penalty. The European Union will persistently advocate against
torture and the infliction of cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment. 10
EU Engagement Policy for Peace Making (Ukraine Crisis)
The ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine is significantly impacting global peace and security on
various levels, such as the geopolitical and multilateral aspects. It is also influencing regional and
national dynamics, causing concerns about the possibility of future escalation.
Violent conflict is becoming more likely in numerous unstable and war-affected nations globally due to
9
EU ACTION PLAN ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY. (n.d.).
[Link]
10
EU ACTION PLAN ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY 2020 -2024. (n.d.).
[Link]
[Link]
urgent food insecurity, escalating costs, changing alliances, widespread dissemination of false
information, and heightened strain on international law and collective security systems.
The conflict in Ukraine demonstrates how a wide range of concerns, such as electricity, food, visas, and
cyber-attacks, may be utilized as weapons by the opposing factions. Consequently, the current situation
necessitates a reevaluation of the intellectual framework guiding peacebuilding efforts. However, this
task is proving to be difficult for both civil society and foreign actors like the EU, mostly due to a dearth
of specialized knowledge in this area.
The European Union should enhance its interaction with civil society and local communities by
establishing formalized dialogues and exchanges, and by incorporating pertinent civil society players at a
more elevated political level. The EU's current allocation of financial resources to promote civil society
is meagre. International entities operating in Ukraine, such as international non-governmental
organizations and the European Union, should ensure that their actions do not unintentionally impede the
ongoing local efforts to foster peace. In order to do this, it is imperative that their involvement is guided
by comprehensive conflict analysis and remains sensitive to conflicts throughout the entire process.
The European Union should priorities monitoring the potential consequences of the war occurring within
its borders. The EU should specifically address the illicit flow of small arms and light weapons
originating from Ukraine. This influx has the potential to significantly bolster organized crime syndicates
and terrorist groups, leading to a heightened risk of violence inside communities. The European Union
should enhance its efforts to advance peace and non-violence in its strategic communication. This
involves promoting narratives that emphasis non-violence and peace, as well as implementing actions to
counteract harmful foreign influence. These efforts are particularly important in countries where civil
society lacks the necessary resources to effectively address this issue. 8
Bibliography:
1. Gabel, M. (2019). European Union | Definition, Purpose, History, & Members. In Encyclopedia Britannica.
[Link]
2. Information for Schools and Colleges. (n.d.). [Link]. Retrieved May 7, 2024, from
[Link]
3. EU ACTION PLAN ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY 2020 -2024. (n.d.).
[Link]
[Link]
4. EU ACTION PLAN ON HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRACY. (n.d.).
[Link]
5. EU engagement on climate action with non-EU countries - European Commission. (n.d.). [Link].
[Link]
eu-countries_en
6. Hossain, K. (2015). EU Engagement in the Arctic. Arctic Review on Law and Politics, 6(2), 89–110.
[Link]
%3A6e856b1b94efcebda811fed4145bd3a5&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1
7. European Council. (2022, December 20). Tackling climate change in the EU - Consilium. [Link]; European
Council. [Link]
8. McGrath, M. (2018, November 28). Climate change: EU aims to be “climate neutral” by 2050. BBC News.
[Link]
9. Hossain, K. (2015). EU Engagement in the Arctic. Arctic Review on Law and Politics, 6(2), 89–110.
[Link]
%3A6e856b1b94efcebda811fed4145bd3a5&ab_segments=&origin=&initiator=&acceptTC=1