European security and defence policy in the light of the treaty establishing a constitution for Europe

Having lost its pivotal quality as the world?s political center since the sixteenth century, Europe has recently demonstrated its ambition to once again become a global center in the area of European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). However, the steps taken in this area remained as relatively unsuccessful initiatives. As economic, social and cultural convergence gradually developed, the idea of creating a European Security and Defence Policy met with resistance from national governments. With Leaken Declaration, Constitutional studies are carried out through revising European Union?s fundamental agreements which set up the objectives, authority and legal means of the Union. European Union is reformulating itself legally with the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe while at the same time demonstrating its final objective to establish a ?super state? ? a United States of Europe clearly. In this study European Security and Defence Policy is considered in the light of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe. In the first chapter; the historical development of the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe and European Union Security is examined. Also, improvements envisioned by the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe are mentioned. In the second chapter; judicial structure concerning EU security, basic concepts and principles as well as contemporary developments introduced by the Treaty Establishing a Constitution for Europe are explained. In the third chapter; with European Union?s changing boundaries common actions, aims, criticism and legal basis of Common Security and Defence Policy are discussed.