The European Union’s diplomatic engagement in the UN Human Rights Council: Assessing the Function of EU Unity

Gjovalin’s research addresses an important issue in the study of the EU’s foreign policy: the quest and consequences of EU unity or ‘speaking with one voice’ in international affairs.

In contrast to much of the academic work, Gjovalin is developing the idea that the EU’s quest to achieve and use ‘one voice’ at the UN Human Rights Council hinders rather than strengthens the EU’s position. This urge to have ‘one voice’ seems to be not only detrimental to the diversity and influence of the EU but also to the promotion of human rights as such. There seems to be a latent function of unity that serves internal integration objectives rather than making the EU more influential at the UNHRC—that is why unity is pursued despite the limiting effects it has on the EU’s influence.

Gjovalin has conducted extensive fieldwork in Brussels and Geneva, as an accredited observer at the UN Human Rights Council. In addition, he has interviewed over 70 diplomats, covering both EU and Non-EU’s views and perceptions. He has presented the preliminary results of his research in various international conferences and is now working toward the completion of his doctoral dissertation.