During the Cold War, to the extent that it performed at the international stage, the European Community was portrayed as a ‘civilian power’, because it lacked the relevant military instruments and relied on ‘economic and diplomatic means’ to try to influence other actors.* 1 However; the myth of Europe as a civilian power was challenged with the end of the Cold War. In the post-Cold War security context; the withdrawal of many US forces from Europe, the Gulf War and the Yugoslav crisis demonstrated that the EU should back up its diplomatic and economic instruments with military capabilities.

During the Cold War, to the extent that it performed at the international stage, the European Community was portrayed as a ‘civilian power’, because it lacked the relevant military instruments and relied on ‘economic and diplomatic means’ to try to influence other actors.* 1 However; the myth of Europe as a civilian power was challenged with the end of the Cold War. In the post-Cold War security context; the withdrawal of many US forces from Europe, the Gulf War and the Yugoslav crisis demonstrated that the EU should back up its diplomatic and economic instruments with military capabilities.