Case Studies of EU and Member State Engagement with Strategic International Organisations

Monika Sus, Anna Fonts Picas, Henna Kakko, Hanna Ojanen & Marie Vandendriessche

This working paper examines the European Union's (EU) strategic partnerships with International Organisations (IOs) in dealing with different crises. Through the lens of three distinct case studies, it investigates the EU's collaboration with the United Nations in addressing the Mali crisis, its joint efforts with NATO in response to the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, and its partnership with the African Union in the context of climate change.

For each case study, the paper delves into the foundational institutional framework of these partnerships, explores the tangible outputs derived from their collective endeavours in confronting crises, and conducts a comprehensive assessment of key successes and challenges. Leveraging the conceptual framework provided by ENGAGE Working Paper 13, this working paper sheds light the EU's approach to crisis management, drawing insights from the strategies employed by other international organisations. It thereby uncovers areas of consensus, conflict, and contestation. While the primary focus of this working paper is the evaluation of collaboration outputs, it deliberately refrains from venturing into the realm of specific outcomes, such as the attainment of stability in Mali or the resolution of the Ukraine conflict, as these are beyond its defined scope.

The analysis emphasises the dynamic nature of strategic partnerships as well as the importance of adaptability for successful cooperation. Despite partnerships being highly institutionalised, the findings reveal a mosaic of diverse cooperation channels, which do not necessarily translate into enhanced or balanced cooperation to tackle a crisis. Additional factors, including asymmetrical relationships, ambiguous role assignments, and the burgeoning influence of geopolitical competitors, emerge as crucial determinants shaping cooperation patterns and crisis management dynamics within the EU's engagements with strategic IOs.