This paper studies the extent to which decision-making within EU foreign and security policy has moved beyond intergovernmental problem-solving. We analyze the patterns of decision-making in three different cases: The launch of EU’s military anti-piracy mission, Atalanta, EU coordination in the International Labour Organization, and the negotiations on the European Parliament`s access to sensitive security documents. The analysis is structured according to four indicators: Who are the actors involved in foreign policy decision-making? What is the relationship between member states and EU institutions in these processes? What characterizes decision-making procedures? And what is the purpose of the foreign policies agreed to and conducted? We find first; that the European Parliament and the Commission inform CFSP beyond their formally delegated powers, and second; common norms clearly influence decision-making processes, by limiting the legitimacy of vetoing common policies and by setting standards for appropriate policy-making.
