Unravelling the Tensions; Impact of the Common Foreign and Security Policy of the EU on Fundamental Rights and the Intricacy of Freedom of Movement

Abstract: The CFSP has become a focal point of legal and political analysis, particularly concerning its impact on fundamental rights and the free movement of capital. Departing from that situation, the thesis attempts to delve into the complex question as its research question to find out how the EU balance its collective interests in pursuing sanctions with national sovereignty, the fundamental rights of individuals affected by the CFSP measures and what is the CJEU role in the effort to strike a balance between those elements? The analysis of the thesis begins by exploring the legal basis and evolution of CFSP, followed by an assessment by the EU CFR and its interplay with the CFSP measures. Subsequently, it will study the tensions between national sovereignty, individual rights, and CFSP measures, spotlighting landmark cases and legal challenges. The thesis also tries to analyse the competence of the EU and attempts to scrutinize the complexity surrounding the questions of which competence is better for the EU and its Member State in regard to CFSP.