In an interview with Le Monde, outgoing High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Javier Solana, defends the appointment of Herman Van Rompuy and Catherine Ashton. Asked whether the new EU External Action Service, which he has previously described as "the world's biggest diplomatic service", will be complicated by rivalries between the Commission, the Parliament and the member states, Solana replies: "The service will be a new institution situated between the Commission and the Council. It will be made up of civil and military personnel." Asked about the priorities of the service, he says it will be interested first and foremost in neighbouring regions, in the Mediterranean, the East and Russia. However he adds: "It must also have in mind global action. We are not only an economic or trade organisation. I want, I hope, to put forward a political will to play a role in international affairs." Asked if there is a growing gap between Europe and America over Afghanistan, Solana says: "I don't think that one can talk of a big gap with the United Sates: there are 30,000 Europeans deployed over there under the NATO umbrella. It is unfair to say that Europe's involvement is too modest."
Javier Solana: "The crisis highlights the need for further cooperation"
LE MONDE | 02.12.09 | 15h42 • Updated 02.12.09 | 15h42
about ten years as High Representative of the European Union (EU), Spain's Javier Solana has passed the torch on Tuesday 1 December at the Columbia Catherine Ashton, whose powers are reinforced by the Treaty of Lisbon.
The appointment of little-known personalities to represent the Union in the world sends does not send the wrong signal?
The interpretation of these appointments is exaggerated and a little shabby. Those chosen have a certain size and are quite capable. I know the chairman, Herman Van Rompuy and rubs Catherine Ashton long. We often traveled together. Within the Commission, she was asked to record such international trade.
What does the Treaty on the diplomatic front?
It will enable a quantum leap, provided they have the political will. New instruments are available to the High Representative. The main challenge for Ms. Ashton will be the creation of the External Action Service. Hopefully it will receive all the help I found from all states. The large and small.
Do you doubt the political will of European capitals, jealous of their influence?
I feel that the Twenty-September will benefit from the opportunities offered by the Treaty. The crisis highlights the need for further cooperation, not only in the economic field. The world after the crisis is different. The emerging powers will emerge stronger, power relations will change.Europe will play the role corresponding to it. This is an illusion to think that our country can do alone. They can act together.
The establishment of the External Action Service looks complicated because it is the object of rivalry between the Commission, parliament and member states ...
The service will be a new institution between the Commission and Council. It consist of civilian and military personnel. It requires that all states are willing to play their role, particularly those with a long international tradition. Everyone understands that effective action requires collective structures capable of providing added value.
What are the priorities of this service?
Europe must first look to its neighborhood, in broad terms: the Mediterranean, East, and Russia. It must also bear in mind global action. We're not just an organization of economic or commercial. We want, I hope to highlight the political will to play a role in international affairs.
What advice would you give to Mrs. Ashton, at a time when Tehran announced new investments in facilities to enrich uranium?
This decision is wrong and represents a major step backwards. It will have consequences.Ashton should continue to represent Europe in all international issues, whether Iran, the Middle East or Afghanistan. The first concern of people chosen in such a position must be to help states move forward collectively. Member States are shareholders of the organization. The function is to be their spokesman and a catalyst.
Do you not fear that the gap is widening between the U.S. and Europe about Afghanistan?
Should be discussed with the Americans on the basis of proposals from Barack Obama. The European commitment will continue in a form to be determined. The means do not define themselves based solely troops. That assessment is too narrow, because the solution is not military. I do not think we can talk about big gap with the United States: there is a 30 000 Europeans deployed there as part of NATO. It is unfair to say that the commitment of Europe is too modest.
Your action has concentrated on the operations of crisis management for ten years?
We launched twenty-three missions on all continents, with over 70 000 people deployed, soldiers, civilians, policemen, lawyers and cooperating. When I arrived it was empty. All this was done gradually, with the cooperation of all Member States, especially in France. One problem we face is the period between our decisions and their implementation. The deployment of human and financial resources takes too long. The double-hatted High Representative, who is also vice-chairman of the Commission will move faster to deploy resources.
The divisions do not they occur in Europe when some countries deviate from the positions taken by the United States?
The problem is not to be near or far from the American positions. The problem occurs when the two European members of the Security Council of the UN, France and the United Kingdom differ.
Interview by Philippe Ricard
Article published in the edition of 03.12.09
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Thursday, 3 December 2009
Javier Solana: EU External Action Service will have military as well as civilian personnel
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