In 2007 and 2008, Belgium was once more a privileged observer of the international community's approach to peace and security, serving as non-permanent member at the UN Security Council (UNSC). Participating in this 'global core cabinet' for the fifth time, Belgium would build upon its historical expertise, especially in relation to Central Africa. Yet its role would not be limited to this particular region. The Belgian government aimed to contribute in a substantial way to all major issues, from North Korea to Haiti, taking the role of 'bridge builder.' This volume contains a variety of essays in light of Belgium's 2007-2008 membership of the UNSC, covering issues that were high on the international agenda, as well as more horizontal ones. The contributions, by policy officials and academics, will give a comprehensive overview of these two years and provide insight into the limits and opportunities of a smaller EU Member State in UNSC politics.

This book investigates the extent to which the EU has defined and operationalised the notion of effective multilateralism. Reform has dominated the agenda of the EU in recent years with the adoption and implementation of the Lisbon Treaty. However, various international organisations have also been in reform mode in an attempt to adjust their structure to the changing polarity and counter criticisms about a lack of legitimacy, accountability and effectiveness. The EU and Effective Multilateralism examines the EU's intention to make multilateral settings more effective, as formulated by the European Security Strategy in December 2003. Firmly grounded in new empirical research, it provides a balanced account of the fit between internal reform (the institutional reform within the EU, notably following the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty) and external reform (the institutional reform of the international reform in which the EU operates). This book will be of much interest to students of EU politics, European security, international organisations, foreign policy and IR in general.