This Policy Brief outlines the main contributions of the European Global Strategy with regard to the Mediterranean region. The new document follows the 2003 European Security Strategy, which was adopted in a context of both higher confidence and consensus among member states. The Brief suggests that the EU can become an effective civilian power by strengthening coordination between member states and providing the High Representative with more resources and decision-making power. Moreover, it proposes to redefine the southern neighbourhood and to commit to a comprehensive security responsibility in the region. The author concludes that only by increasing its effectiveness will the EU manage to halt centrifugal forces, with member states increasingly engaging in individual foreign policy actions.