Single Representative, Single Voice: Magical Thinking and the Representation of the EU on the World Stage

• Published in: Global policy 2014-10, Vol.5 (s1), p.68-75
• Main Author: Novak, Stéphanie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Foreign policy; Geopolitics; International relations
• ISSN: 1758-5880; 1758-5899
• DOI: 10.1111/1758-5899.12147

It is frequently argued that the EU should speak with a single voice on the international stage in order to play an effective role in the field of foreign policy. The representation of the EU by a single representative is often viewed as a remedy to this lack of a single voice. This article analyzes that argument and asks whether the relative disillusionment that followed the appointment of a president of the European Council and of a high representative of the EU suggests that stronger EU representation on the world stage is needed. The article argues that equating the institutionalization of a single representative with an ability on the part of the EU to speak with a single voice amounts to ‘magical thinking’ because no institutional engineering can overcome member states’ divisions. Furthermore, different successful cases of external action led by a few member states in spite of the lack of unanimity show that the single voice is an unhelpful myth. Lastly, the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty reforms reveals that the EU does not need stronger external representation and that any principle of representation relying on personalization should be dismissed as inadequate in the EU context. Recent history has shown that the EU can lead effective civilian action even if such action is not supported by all the member states.