Mogherini on strategy at Chatham House 24.2 - a brief comment

Some may remember the formula used in the EGS think tank proposal on a European global strategy some time back: the EU was proposed to take an overall responsibility in its strategic neighbourhood. M.  takes a somewhat more limited view and proposes EU to be a "responsible power in  our immediate neighbourhood" and argues that  there is no better way for the EU to have a global influence.

On this line in the first instance she foresees a review of the European neighbourhood policy. She thereby seems to reject the notion  recently proposed by several think tanks that a more differentiated policy will be necessary.

In parallel she intends to start a reflection process on a new European foreign policy strategy. Personally, I welcome the focus on the element of process. The final outcome may not be the most important thing but rather the sense of ownership and strategic reflection itself.

She uses a very  wide concept of security referring  specifically to resources in the hands of the Commission.

The absence of explicit links to CSDP is noticeable.

A very well come  focus in the speech is on effective multilateralism. She’s very vocal in her support to specific UN efforts as well as to the OSCE.

Her performance at Chatham House shows that she and her team are not to be underestimated.

I was impressed by the question-and-answer session. She has very quickly come up to speed on a number of very complex issues.