THE RELEVANCE OF INTERNATIONAL LAW IN DEFINING EUROPE'S COMMON SECURITY

Abstract

The central theme of this article is given by the influence that fundamental values and principles of international law have on the construction of the European security policies. These principles are not only abstract, theoretical constructions, lacking legal effects, but represent the expression of the fundamental values underlying the international legal architecture. The basis for placing these values and principles at the center of the common policies is justified by the status of the European Union as a subject of the international law system. The increasing involvement of the EU in fields such as security and defense, democracy and human rights justifies the importance of identifying and highlighting the principles governing the organization and its policies. The recognition of their authority and the de facto application of these principles and norms by the European institutions, in the framework of its external actions and mechanisms, ensure the legality of the organization's activity

Keywords

• European Union
• fundamental values
• principles of international law
• Common Foreign and Security Policy