Chapter 7
THE COMMON FOREIGN AND SECURITY POLICY (CFSP): A COMPONENT OF EU FOREIGN ACTION
1.The decision-making procedures with regard to the CFSP are carried out in accordance with:
a. the EU method
b. the intergovernmental method
c. neither of the above as the CFSP is subject to specific rules and procedures
Which of a, b, and c is correct?
a.This is an incorrect answer. External action under the TFEU is conducted in accordance with the “EU method”.
b. This is the correct answer.
c. This is an incorrect answer. The reference in Article 24 TFEU to “specific rules and procedures” applicable to the CFSP is, in fact, reference to the intergovernmental method.
2. The procedure for appointment of the HR is as follows:
a. The HR is elected by the EP acting by a majority of its component members, based on a proposal from the European Council, which must be approved by QMV.
b. The European Council acting by a qualified majority, with the agreement of the President of the Commission, appoints the HR. Subsequently, the HR, the President of the Commission and the Commissioners must be approved by the EP by a vote of consent.
c. The HR is elected by the European Council acting by QMV.
Which of a, b, and c is correct?
a. This is an incorrect answer. Item aabove describes the procedure for the appointment of the President of the Commission (Article 17(7) TEU).
b. This is the correct answer.
c. This is an incorrect answer. Item c above describes the procedure for the appointment of the President of the European Council.
3. The main task of the HR is:
a. To co-ordinate the EU's foreign policy and to build consensus between Member States on matters relating to foreign affairs
b. To advise the European Council and the EP in all matters relating to the CFSP
c. To ensure that the Member States are implementing correctly and timely all measures relating to the CFSP and to bring any instances of non-compliance before the ECJ.
Which of a, b, and c is correct?
a. This is the correct answer.
b. This is an incorrect answer
c. This is an incorrect answer.
4. Which of the following bodies is accountable to the HR?
a. The Political and Security Committee (PSC)
b. the European Defence Agency (EDA)
c. The European External Action Service (EEAS)
a.This is an incorrect answer. The PSC monitors the international situation in areas covered by the CFSP. It contributes to defining the EU’s external policies and responds to international crises by delivering opinions to the Council at the request of the Council, the HR or on its own initiative. It also effects implementation of agreed policies, without prejudice to the powers of the HR. The PSC is not accountable to the HR.
b. This in an incorrect answer. The EDA was created in 2004 in order to improve the EU's defence capabilities especially in the field of crisis management. Its tasks are set out in Article 45 TEU. The EDA is not accountable to the HR.
c.This is the correct answer. The EEAS is made up of officials from the relevant departments of the General Secretariat of the Council and of the Commission as well as diplomats from the Member States. Council Decision 2010/427/EU of 26 July 2010 outlined the organisation, structure and functioning of the EEAS. It is in effect the foreign ministry of the EU. Its main task is not only to assist the HR, but also to assist the President of the European Council, the President of the Commission and Commissioners in the area of external relations and to work in close co-operation with the diplomatic services of Member States.
5. The Petersberg tasks are carried out by:
a. the WEU
b. the Member States within the framework of the CSDP
c NATO
Which of a, b, and c is correct?
a. This is an incorrect answer
b. This is the correct answer (see Article 43(1) TEU)
c. This is an incorrect answer