This publication lays out the European Union's global strategy to serve as a compass - a strategic sense of direction, a shared vision, a platform for acting together, in the face of global threats such as terrorism and climate change as well as in times of extraordinary opportunities in global growth, mobility and technological progress.
The Strategy is the result of an extensive consultation process and sets out the EU's core interests and principles for engaging in the world, and helps explain what the EU stands for and hopes to achieve.
The EU's core interests, principles and priorities are summed up thus:
"In a complex, connected, and contested world, it is essential for the EU to ensure peace and security for its citizens and territory, as well as advance the prosperity of its people. On top of this, the EU needs to uphold the strength and values of democracy and champion a rules-based global order."
"To promote these interests, the EU's external action needs to be guided by clear principles."
"While the EU has the greatest influence when it stands united on the global stage, it can't be afraid to engage with others. Setting up barriers between us and the rest of the world is not a solution, and the EU has to create stable partnerships – not only with states, but also international actors, civil society, and the private sector. Finally, the EU needs to be steered by a strong sense of responsibility in order to effectively respond to the growing problems of the world."
"These principles can help us pursue five broad priorities in our external action: The Security of our Union, State and Societal Resilience, An Integrated Approach to Conflicts, Cooperative Regional Orders, and Global Governance for the 21st Century."
