Abstract:
The research paper deals with the questions, if the European Union could be indicated as an actor in international relations.
In the first part are several possible models discussed: At first in the perspective of the international law, then in the perspective of the international relations. In the latter case, three models are presented: the "principal agent" model, institutional and substatial models of an european foreign policy and the rhetoric of civilian power as indicator of a lack of unity.
The second part analyses the change of the transatlantic relations: The role of the USA in the present international system, the tensions in the transatlantic relations after the end of the cold war and tensions in EU-Europe itself.
The third part presents recommendations in form of options for action for a european foreign policy in regard to the USA. Discussed are the options "collective balancing", "collective bargaining" and to fill in the concept of a civilian power.2