Brussels, 12/01/2011 (Agence Europe) - To develop a true common foreign and security policy, “the European Union must not speak with a single voice but with 27 different voices delivering the same message”, Catherine Ashton said during a conference entitled “A fresh start for Europe in the world” held on Wednesday 12 January by the Socialist Group (S&D) at the European Parliament. There is no doubt that, if all 27 adopt and defend a common position on problems, Europe will be stronger and will make its voice heard more in the world, the EU high representative for foreign affairs said. She cited examples which, in her view, confirm this: - diplomatic support for a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a call for the democratisation of Belarus, support for the dual approach (diplomacy and sanctions) towards Tehran on its nuclear programme, and the fight against piracy off the coast of Somalia.
The European External Action Service (EEAS), created by the Lisbon Treaty and up and running since 1 January this year, will be a vital instrument for developing common foreign and security policy but, for obvious practical reasons (e.g. it has only had a budget for one week, etc) the service “is only at its beginnings”, Ashton said. Although it is right to affirm that Europe is a “soft power”, that “does not mean that we are soft” as the EU is determined to robustly defend its values in the world and have its attachment to democracy, rule of law and human rights reflected in its foreign and security policy, Ashton explained.
The EU must “use political muscle combined with economic muscle to make a difference in the world”, Ashton asserted, saying priority must be granted to the countries around the EU as, she explained, she is “absolutely sure that the EU is judged by the quality of what it does in its own neighbourhood”. It is with this in mind that the EU is ready to facilitate dialogue between Serbia and Kosovo, help Bosnia-Herzegovina break the political and institutional stalemate, and make headway within the European integration process of the Western Balkan countries and also of Turkey, the high representative pointed out. Catherine Ashton will be in Turkey on Thursday 13 January to speak of bilateral relations but also to prepare talks with Iranians on their nuclear programme, ahead of the meeting in Istanbul next week.
Martin Schulz, who heads the S&D Group at the EP, had opened the debate with a number of comments and suggestions on the future of the CFSP. European citizens are calling on the EU to play a more important political role in the world and “they are right to do so”, he said. A major economic power like the EU cannot shake off its international policy responsibility as “the two go hand in hand”, Schulz said. Common foreign and security policy in the 21st century must support effective multilateralism, promote consensus and cooperation and support democracy, rule of law and human rights in the world. The use of military force must not be allowed except as a last resort and only when it is legitimised by the United Nations and in line with international law, Schulz underlined. The EEAS is essential for enhancing the CFSP but the service's success will depend on the willingness of member states to cooperate and accept the transfer of part of their national sovereignty with regard to foreign policy to the supranational level to the benefit of a new “collective sovereignty”, the German MEP pointed out. The European Parliament, also, should take advantage of the “new spirit” and obtain, through example, access to negotiating mandates during talks on international agreements, he affirmed. The EU's “strategic partnerships” with the main powers of the world (USA, China, India, Russia, etc) are still too “vague” and must therefore be made clearer and strengthened, Schulz said. The EU should also set itself a “long term objective” for obtaining a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. (H.B./transl.jl)