Introduction

Abstract

This volume confirms the growing importance of European Political Cooperation (EPC) as a new foreign policy mechanism. Despite its partial operation and public crises, consensus and cooperation have become the established norm for the EC in its foreign relations. In the current turmoil and flux of the international environment, the importance of a collective EPC response has never been greater. The development of EPC and the continued success of the Community are inextricably linked. However, the momentous events that occurred in the six months between November 1989 and April 1990 have thrown an uncompromising challenge to the future of EPC. This challenge has come from both events external to EPC and from internal developments within the process of political cooperation itself.