The ambition of the European Union and its member states to assert a more coherent and strategic policy has been driven by the need to integrate East Central Europe, the desire to become a more autonomous foreign, security and defense actor, and the practical experience in the Balkans that has confirmed the need for an effective and independent European crisis management capability. This book examines the degree to which the European Union has been able to respond as a coherent and strategic actor towards the developmental and security needs of its immediate neighborhood in the post-Cold War period. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.