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Abstract
The role that regional organizations can play in the management of crises in Europe was brought into the spotlight by the conflict in former Yugoslavia. A great number of key international actors became involved in the Yugoslav crisis, first and foremost the European Union and the Organization on Security and Co‐operation in Europe. However, as their efforts for a peaceful settlement to the situation proved ineffective, the Security Council was obliged to step in and act under the mandatory powers provided by Chapter VII of the UN Charter. It is with respect to some of the measures that the Security Council has undertaken in accordance with Chapter VII that the position of WEU has become critically important and interesting legal questions have been raised. For the first time since its creation, the WEU has been confronted with a conflict which, though not directly involving any of its member states, may affect their security interests. Which functions is the WEU able to perform in the maintenance of international peace and security? And, particularly on the subject of enforcement measures in out‐of‐area crises, does the WEU have a say?