Revisit our ValEUs Lecture “The diplomatic system of the EU: a state in the making or a toothless international organisation?” held on May 9 2025 by Federica Bicchi at the University of Florence!
Federica Bicchi is Associate Professor of International Relations at the London School of Economics and Political Science. Her current research focuses on contemporary trends in European diplomacy, especially in relation to the digitalisation of diplomacy and developments in European foreign policy cooperation.
The lecture analysed the EU’s diplomatic system, in order to understand how well equipped the EU is in practicing diplomacy and supporting its values in the international system. The difference between foreign policy and diplomacy is similar to the difference between an architect and an engineer: while the former has the (political) vision, the latter needs to help in the definition of what is possible and then make it turn into reality. It is thus key to understand how EU foreign policies are supported in the early stages of foreign policy making and in their implementation. As the lecture explored, the EU has much of the mechanics of states’ diplomatic services, especially when compared to smaller state. When it comes to the unifying vision and the single spirit that animates national diplomatic services, however, the EU’s system is often found lacking. This weakens the EU’s voice in the international arena and hampers its action in most contexts, particularly in situations of conflict.
ValEUs Lecture Series
The ValEUs Project organises a lecture series exploring the contestation of European values in EU foreign policy and its wider implications from a broad perspective. Aimed at scholars, students, civil society actors, and policymakers, this series fosters research exchange and deepens our understanding of contemporary issues and challenges directly impacting and involving the EU. Hosted by partner universities within our consortium, the series invites contributions from diverse voices to enrich the debate.
