Conference Paper

Permanent Structured Cooperation is a revolutionary new institute introduced in the European Union framework with the Lisbon reform treaty. It provides member states with a tool to improve the long standing problem of foreign and defence policy passivity and irresponsiveness. Though sounding quite progressive, it yet awaits to be implemented, and the road ahead seems full of obstacles. This paper first explains the essence of the institute, than deals with the problems of implementation of Permanent Structured Cooperation, its rewards and would-be hazards, as well as problems to be expected before and during implementation. Emphasis is being put on the special relation with the NATO alliance that will come to light as soon as Permanent Structured Cooperation comes into existence. The last part consists of an analysis of the impact that Permanent Structured Cooperation will have on candidate countries, especially the Republic of Macedonia, both as a potential reform and a soon - to - be reality.