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The devastation caused during the Second World War and the fear of future wars between the European countries led to the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC). Today nearly 60 years later with a population of more then 470 million and 27 member countries, the European Union (EU), as the leading donor in humanitarian aid and development is an important actor in international affairs. What it lacks is a ‘single voice' in most international fora. The EU's parliament is ‘often dismissed as weak, mostly because it is not normally in the position to make decisions of consequence. The Union has made human rights, democracy and poverty reduction a central aspect of its external relations. However, the EU context of poverty human rights and democracy should not be confused necessarily with the aspired heights of humanity in general, which may be less than western norms.

Further, there has to be something to back up the rhetoric - that voice on the world stage. If the EU has not fully integrated the wide diversity of cultural governance criteria within its own borders, it cannot hope to have a significant impact globally. A successful global foreign and security policy starts at home. 

In this assessment, I will evaluate the EU's rationale, role and significance in responding to the issues of global governance. Firstly, I will briefly address The EU's historical background and its enlargement process. Additionally, I will examine the policies towards developing countries in terms of trade, development, humanitarian assistance and poverty reduction. Lastly, I will explore the EU's Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and its role within the UN.

Rudi Guraziu is a Foreign Affairs Consultant - Specialising in the Balkans