Realizacja wspólnej polityki zagranicznej i bezpieczeństwa wobec Europy Południowo-Wschodniej, basenu Morza Śródziemnego i Bliskiego Wschodu

The author illustrates the engagement of the European Union in South-eastern Europe, the Mediterranean basin, as well as the Middle East, as an essential part of the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The article depicts the European Union, which develops its defence potential, combats terrorism and starts to conduct missions congruent with the European Security and Defence Policy. The European Union, by means of its institutions and tools, has also significantly contributed to pull out South-eastern Europe out of the spiral of ethnic conflict. Furthermore, the author indicates that the southern and eastern region of the Mediterranean region is a strategically important part for the EU, whereas the Middle East is a vital region from the global perspective. Moreover, the author underlines that this part of the world is the linchpin of Asia, Europe and Africa. The Middle East is also the cradle of ancient civilisations and three religions. This region is again key due to global crude oil deposits situated there. For this reason the European Union also intends to play an important role in the Middle East peace process. It also supports the reconstruction of Iraq and is engaged in solving problems in Iran.