Diagram showing the interaction between the different European institutions in the fields covered by the common foreign and security policy (CFSP), following the entry into force on 1 November 1993 of the Treaty on European Union, signed in Maastricht on 7 February 1992.

Diagram showing the interaction between the different European institutions in the fields covered by the common foreign and security policy (CFSP), following the entry into force on 1 May 1999 of the Amsterdam Treaty, signed on 2 October 1997.

Diagram showing the interaction between the different European institutions in the fields covered by the common foreign and security policy (CFSP), following the entry into force on 1 February 2003 of the Nice Treaty, signed on 26 February 2001.

In order to implement the common strategy adopted by the Cologne European Council on 4 June 1999, the Council adopted a joint action on 17 December 1999.

Meeting in Cologne on 3 and 4 June 1999, the European Council adopted a first common strategy. This is the first application of this instrument created by the Article 13 of the Treaty on the European Union.

Evaluation report from the Secretary-General / High Representative on the subject of Common Strategies, appearing as an annex to the Council's conclusions of 9 October 2000 on the effectiveness of the Union's external action.

Conclusions from the 2331st meeting of the General Affairs Council on 26 and 27 February 2001, concerning Common Strategies on how to improve the effectiveness of the Union's external action. .