Europeanization of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs? A study of the effect of the Common Foreign and Security Policy

Abstract: This paper explores Europeanization of the Czech Ministry of Foreign Affairs by looking at the impact of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) on the Ministry. Despite being intergovernmental, voluntary, governed by treaties and not laws previous studies suggest that CFSP has an impact on the domestic arena. The analysis is based on the conceptual framework developed by Smith (2000) in which bureaucratic adaptation and possible socialization in the Czech Foreign Ministry is analyzed. The analysis confirms previous studies. CFSP contributes to the Europeanization of the Czech Foreign Ministry by influencing organization and working practices of the Ministry. It results in the creation of new posts, new department, adaptation of everyday practices as well as change in the working practices of the Czech embassies. However, despite being a forum for socialization change in the attitude from old nation-state sovereignty model towards pursuing foreign policy as a collective endeavor in the Foreign Ministry did not happen. Interests of the Czech Republic are still a cornerstone in the work of the Ministry. The period of study is 2000-2010. The empirical evidence used in this paper is derived from the interviews with senior officials of the Ministry as well as official documents, speeches and interviews of different foreign ministers in various media.