Coherence in the EU's External Human Rights Policy: The Case of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

Abstract

Human rights are at the forefront of the European Union's (EU) foreign policy. Although the former pillar structure was abolished by the Treaty of Lisbon, the external action is still characterized by a multiplicity of institutional actors, policy instruments and decision-making procedures. Nevertheless, the EU is legally obliged to conduct a coherent policy. The pressing question is thus whether there is truly 'a' external human rights policy. In order to answer this question, this article examines the bilateral relationships between the EU and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the DRC).The analysis is structured according to three mechanisms that can serve to protect and promote human rights in third countries, notably conditionality, positive measures and defence actions.