European Union Security and Defence Policy: Foundation and Development Overview

One the key objective of the European project was to ensure the role of the European continent as an important actor in world affairs through strong economic and diplomatic relations.  Peace was established as a core element of the project, which was built on the aftermaths of the World War II, and its model of freedom and equality was intended to be adopted by other parts of the world. The values and objectives of the EU that determine its relations with the rest of the world, as stated in Article 3 of the Lisbon Treaty, include the promotion of European values and interests, the promotion of peace and security, the protection of human rights, as well as respect for the Charter of United Nations.