The problem of creating a European security dimension has existed since the very beginning of the process of European construction in the years following the Second World War. Ambassador Cahen examines the successes and failures of efforts to develop a forum for European cooperation in the field of security and assesses to what extent the Western European Union (WEU) has achieved its objective to 'establish among member countries an on-going dialogue aimed at reaching common positions on defence'. At a time when both East/West and transatlantic relations are in full evolution, this pertinent study discusses the difficulties currently facing the WEU in the wake of its recent reactivation and its future as the base of NATO's European pillar.