Jean Monnet Center at NYU School of Law



Previous|Title

15 Conclusion

The many recommendations that emerge from this analysis are addressed to virtually every actor within the EU structure. Some are narrow and uncontroversial, while others are extensive and potentially far-reaching. Nevertheless, few of them are startling, wholly original, or highly innovative. The explanation is both simple and compelling. The principal shortcoming of the EU's human rights policy is not a lack of novelty or grand gestures. It is a consistent reluctance to come to grips with some basic home truths about the indivisibility of internal and external human rights policy, the need for a clear and unambiguous commitment at all levels, and the need for effective political and bureaucratic structures to give effect to those commitments. The various components of the recipe for achieving these objectives have been evident for a number of years. Until these indispensable building blocks are put into place by the Member States and the institutions of the Union there will be little point in creating grand new designs for their own sake.


Top Of Page|Previous|Title