Publication

Since the early 2000s, the European Union (EU) has sought to develop integrated and comprehensive approaches that link development, security and other instruments of its foreign policies. This study begins by providing an overview of the different meanings attached to the concept of comprehensive approach. Three case studies outline previous attempts made by the EU to put this concept into practice. Finally, the study considers several pertinent issues that are likely to shape the EU’s development of comprehensive approaches to support future external actions. These include the potential advantages and disadvantages of choosing a narrow or broad scope for comprehensive approaches.