The course introduces the main aspects of the development and current state of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP). It explains both the rationale and scope of the CFSP in comparison to those of its predecessor - the European Political Cooperation (EPC). The course presents the EU institutions that shape the CFSP and the second pillar’s decision making process as well as the role of the European Parliament and the European Commission. The CFSP instruments are explained on the basis of the Treaty text and current practice. Some more specific issues are discussed as well, e.g. EU involvement in crisis management. Finally the course examines the impact of the pillar structure on the effectiveness of the EU foreign policy.