R. N. MACEDONIA AND THE CFSP OF THE EUROPEAN UNION: ACHIEVEMENTS AND CHALLENGES

Abstract

Three determinants shape the role and influence of the EU as a global-regional
actor in peace and security: capacity (institutional, material, human and operational,
as well as financial) to undertake missions; willingness to devote resources to
security and defence purposes, mainly driven by member states’ priorities; and acceptance
(internal and external) of the EU as a leading actor in peace and security.
The institutional security and defence framework of the EU has undergone many reforms
in the past three decades. The beginnings of this process have been established
by the Treaty of Maastricht (1992) that has established the EU Common Foreign
and Security Policy (CFSP). By the Stabilization and Association Agreement entering
into force, R.N. Macedonia has officially confirmed its determination for moving
closer to the CFSP goals. Therefore, the paper analyses the process that R.N. Macedonia
is implementing regarding this issue, as well as it faced challenges.