GSTÖHL Sieglinde & ZEIDAN Sami - Speaking with one Voice? The EU's External Representation (25h)

This optional course examines the political, legal and institutional aspects of the European Union's (EU) external representation. It explores how and to what extent the EU and its Member States can speak and act ‘with one voice’ in foreign affairs, assessing both achievements and ongoing challenges. The course discusses EU external representation in the context of EU external competences, coordination mechanisms, and recognition as an international actor. It also analyses why EU unity varies across international fora and policy areas (e.g. economic policies, climate change and human rights diplomacy). The course considers both conceptual and practical dimensions of external representation, including the role of the European External Action Service and EU Delegations in bilateral and multilateral settings, such as international organisations (UN system, IMF, World Bank, and OECD), multilateral agreements and their institutional bodies, and forums such as the G7 and G20.

Professors: Sieglinde GSTÖHL & Sami ZEIDAN

ECTS Card 2026-2027