europe's common foreign and security policy (cfsp) came into being following the maastricht treaty in 1993. in 1999, the cfsp was solidified through the creation of the position of its high representative. the iraq crisis was the most significant test with which the cfsp had yet been required to contend. iraq, however, saw the eu failing to act as one. rather, the approach of real crisis resulted in the major powers of the eu splitting; with france and germany opposing the u.s.-led plans for invasion of iraq; and the uk aligning itself firmly alongside america and committing troops to the invasion. other european countries sided with either position, many contributing to the multinational force in iraq.