Σχέσεις της ΕΕ με Διεθνείς Οργανισμούς: Η περίπτωση του ΟΗΕ

Abstract

This paper examines the European Union's cooperation with the United Nations, which constitutes a special case of "intersecting multilateralisms". Emphasising the challenges stemming from the institutional and political environment in which it unfolds its action, but also from the fact that the EU is called upon to act in parallel and in coordination with its Member States, which are equally leading actors within the United Nations system, this analysis attempts to answer the question of the EU's effectiveness or, more accurately, its satisfactory performance. After an overview of EU representation and co-ordination in the UN’s most important bodies, the UN General Assembly and the UN Security Council, we examine its de jure and de facto recognition as an autonomous actor. Subsequently, The Union's internal effectiveness is examined first and foremost in terms of its ability in achieving consistency in voting among its member states. For the analysis of EU performance in the field of human rights, which was selected as a case study, we present data concerning the Union's activity, as expressed in the form of statements, explanations of votes and decisions before the Third Commission and the Human Rights Council. At the same time, we attempt a qualitative assessment of its performance, taking into account its ability to react in cases of gross violations of fundamental rights, to take innovative initiatives and to influence through its policy the agenda setting in the field of human rights protection at an international level.