Glaubwürdigkeit auf dem Prüfstand: Anmerkungen zur Zukunft der Sicherheits- und Verteidigungspolitik der EU

National interests of the EU member states still largely influence the definition and formulation of European security and defence policy. Against that background, this article examines the EU's self-understanding as a regional and global actor. It becomes obvious that the EU is following a comprehensive understanding of the term security. Looking furthermore at threat perceptions, today's meaning of security and defence, the specific issues that trigger cooperation as well as the shortfalls of European security and defence, the article presents two strategies for improving the credibility of the EU as an international actor.