Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)

The CFSP represents the European Union’s common foreign policy.  It includes the European Security and Defence Policy, which aims to strengthen the EU’s external ability to act through the development of civilian and military capabilities in conflict prevention and crisis management.
To influence policies violating international law or human rights, or policies disrespectful of the rule of law or democratic principles, the EU has designed sanctions of a diplomatic or economic nature.
European Commissioner Catherine Ashton is currently the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.