Social policy has been a contested area of European Community (European Union) policy at times. We look at social objectives among the general EU and EC aims before we present the objectives in the Title on social policy. *** European Union objectives Article 2 of the Treaty on European Union (TEU) first mentions the objectives to promote economic and social progress and a high level of employment...

The first skirmishes have broken out in what promises to be a ferocious institutional battle over who will control the European Union's common foreign policy, as member states fight off attempts from the European Commission to dominate the bloc's budding diplomatic service

The Times looks at the creation of the European Union’s External Action Service (EAS), established under the Lisbon Treaty. The article notes that federalist EU politicians are seeking to establish a strong EAS before a potential “obstructionist” UK Conservative government takes office.

Introduced by the Lisbon Treaty, the European External Action Service is intended to give the Union a greater role in foreign policy. Yet its scope and competences are the subject of fierce debate among EU countries.

Ankara struck at European Union criticism of its sluggish progress towards accession, arguing the EU would be short-sighted to reject a country pivotal to its energy security and foreign policy ambitions

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, will unveil her long-awaited proposal for setting up the European External Action Service during the course of the week.

The European Union will open accession talks with Turkey in one new policy area, but regrets the lack of progress made in Ankara's relations with Cyprus, EU foreign ministers said on 8 December.

The preambles of existing and future treaties mention economic and social progress among the main reasons for European integration. The Commission has a treaty obligation to report annually on the achievement of the social policy objectives and on the demographic situation in the European Community (European Union). We look at the relevant provisions of the current Treaty establishing the European...

A clash over control of European Union foreign policy pits countries that want to promote the authority of Lady Ashton against nations such as France and Spain determined to defend the role of national governments in external relations

Anxiety about the abilities of the European Union's foreign policy chief and quarrels over the new diplomatic service are casting shadows over the EU's efforts to maximise its global influence