Is the European Union becoming an effective diplomatic force in the Security Council?
Advocates of a common EU foreign policy have long called on the bloc to play a greater role at the United Nations. Germany is even formally committed to the idea of an EU seat on the council.
The union has gradually become more prominent in the General Assembly as well as in debates on development aid over the past two decades. But it has not had the same impact in the Security Council. Britain and France have defended their special status as permanent members and been wary of sharing too much information or influence with other EU members. But three new factors are in play that could change that.