This book challenges the conventional view that EU foreign policy is solely the domain of member states by examining the influence of EU officials in security and defense. It investigates the reasons behind member states delegating functions to the EU and analyzes how EU civil servants impact the planning and execution of civilian and military operations. Through case studies and interviews, the work reveals the practicalities of everyday security policymaking within the EU.

This book is of interest to scholars, students, and practitioners of EU foreign policy. The analysis, grounded in extensive interviews and case studies, offers a detailed look at the practicalities of EU security and defense policymaking. It provides a counterpoint to state-centric views by highlighting the agency of EU officials in shaping operational outcomes. The work is positioned to inform discussions on the evolving role of the EU in international security.