For example, the restrictive measure invoked in Syria putting the arms embargo on it, could not forbid the non-EU countries to deliver the necessary arms to Syria.
Third, the ability of the EU to act internationally is directly related to the level and degree of integration achieved in the policy area in the Union. Therefore, when it comes to foreign and defence policy, which both are not harmonized, CFSP has limited effectiveness (e.g.time consuming, difficulties to agree).
To conclude, in security and defence the EU’s international actorness is developing and it remains controversial. On many occasions it has failed to act effectively and in some cases, at all. Even here, however, it has had some success – the EU ambition to be more influential world widely.
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