- to assert its identity on the international scene, in particular through
the implementation of a common foreign and security policy including
the eventual framing of a common defence policy, which might in time
lead to a common defence;
- to strengthen the protection of the rights and interests of the
nationals of its Member States through the introduction of a citizenship
of the Union;
- to develop close cooperation on justice and home affairs;
- to maintain in full the "acquis communautaire" and build on it with a
view to considering, through the procedure referred to in Article N(2), to
what extent the policies and forms of cooperation introduced by this
Treaty may need to be revised with the aim of ensuring the
effectiveness of the mechanisms and the institutions of the
Community.
The objectives of the Union shall be achieved as provided in this
Treaty and in accordance with the condition and the timetable set out
therein while respecting the principle of subsidiarity as defined in
Article 3b of the Treaty establishing the European Community.

ARTICLE C
The Union shall be served by a single institutional framework which
shall ensure the consistency and the continuity of the activities carried
out in order to attain its objectives while respecting and building upon
the "acquis communautaire".
The Union shall in particular ensure the consistency of its external
activities as a whole in the context of its external relations, security,
economic and development policies. The Council and the Commission
shall be responsible for ensuring such consistency. They shall ensure
the implementation of these policies, each in accordance with its
respective powers.