2011年，英国和爱尔兰经济有一定复苏迹象，但尚不稳定，且面临着诸多不确定因素。财政赤字仍是两国政府需要集中力量解决的问题，紧缩政策将是今后几年的主要政策基调。英国联合政府总体运行平稳，但社会政策改革造成了一定程度的社会动荡。在对外政策方面，英国在利比亚问题上采取了积极主动的立场；但在某些问题上与欧盟矛盾较大。由于经济持续衰退，爱尔兰成为欧元区第一个因金融危机而被迫提前举行大选的国家。巨额财政赤字迫使爱尔兰政府向国际社会申请救助。
The formal launch of the European External Action Service on 1 December 2010 implies a further step in institutionalizing the EU's single representation on the international scene. The EU has, in the period covered by this Report, concentrated its efforts on fostering a consistent and coordinated foreign policy. The EU's strategic thinking finds its best expression in fostering a ‘one-voice Europe' by the set of policies ranging from stabilizing its neighborhood to adjusting its global strategy, with a view to expanding its discourse power and enhance its global influences especially with the help of the United Nations as an indispensable forum.
