[CLEER conference] Shifting institutional dynamics in EU external relations law

The Centre for the Law of EU External Relations (CLEER) and the Asser Institute are organising a conference on ‘Shifting institutional dynamics in EU external relations’ that will take place on 12 December 2025 at the Asser Institute in The Hague.

The EU’s institutional landscape is based on Article 13 TEU and the institutional balance between the EU’s actors is determined by the specific powers and tasks assigned to them. The EU’s prime institutional set-up consisting of the European Parliament, European Council, Council and European Commission is also reflected in EU external action. At the same time, in the context of EU external action, we are witnessing the emergence of new institutional dynamics. The clout of the High Representative, the European External Action Service and the European Council President has significantly increased both in principle and in practice in the conduct of EU external relations policies. The same holds true for EU agencies, the European Ombudsman and the Member States. For instance, the management of recurring EU crises with an external dimension, such as Brexit or the migration crisis, has put strong emphasis on the role of  Member States in the shaping of EU policies through and outside EU institutions. At the same time, the Court of Justice has contributed to constitutionalisation of the intergovernmental CFSP through its case law. The European Defense Agency (EDA) has spurred momentum for defense integration.

The shifting institutional dynamics in EU foreign policy challenge the existing institutional balance as well as the underlying division between intergovernmental and supranational actors that we are familiar with. 

The conference aims at exploring and critically reflecting on this shifting institutional landscape in EU external relations.

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