★ The European Council is responsible for developing and creating a common foreign and security policy.

★ The right of initiative is with the member states and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the High Representative uses this right with the support of the Commission.

★ Then the High Representative must take care of passing information and consult the European Parliament regarding the implementation of the CFSP. They must also ensure that the opinions of the European Parliament are duly taken into consideration.

★ For decision making, agreement should be the general rule that is adopted by the Council and the European Council concerning the CFSP.

★ A specific bridging clause is introduced by the Treaty of Lisbon that is applicable to the CFSP.

★ There are some exceptions in the decisions regarding the area of defense.

★ With the help of the bridging clause the European Council would authorize the Council to act by a qualified majority to adopt certain measures.