Page "History of Europe" Paragraph 63

However, the EU's desire to work on foreign policy was undermined due to its failure to act during the Yugoslav wars, and its division over whether to support the United States lead Iraq War.

European NATO countries were frequently criticized by the United States for insufficient military expenditure, and for not sending enough troops to support NATO's war in Afghanistan.

Europe meanwhile decided to reap the benefits of its post – Cold War peace dividend and instead supported the development of international law, for example through the International Criminal Court.