Brussels, 16/10/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 15 October the CFSP High Representative, Javier Solana, addressed the European Convention workgroup on EU external action, Chaired by Mr Dehaene. The High Representative stressed, using a number of practical examples from his experience (notably in the Balkans, Middle East, Security Council), that, "the creation of a High Representative has actually filled the vacuum in terms of political action and presence, and added value to the EU's external action". Amongst the lessons that this former Spanish Minister for Foreign Affairs and NATO General Secretary has learnt over the three years of experience is the need for: political will. The work of the High Representative is more effective if the will of Member States is "focused and clearly expressed"; continuity. Reciprocal confidence develops thanks to personal contacts, which "cannot be switched every six months" (although relations with Mr Solana and the successive Council Presidencies have always been "excellent" and, "This is particularly true also for relations with our transatlantic friends"; the need to be able to react quickly. The rhythm of CFSP work has been determined by monthly Foreign Ministers' meetings. However, crisis management in the 21st century requires "real time reaction"; a clear division of labour. According to Mr Solana, merging the responsibilities of the Commission and High Representative would, "create more confusion than synergy. Chris (Patten) and I have shown that close co-operation and partnership can, and do, produce results"; Coherence and solidarity among Member States. Sharing responsibilities can assume different forms and Member States which cannot contribute much in military capabilities, "can still bring a lot in terms of finance, refugees and development aid"; Willingness to tackle sensitive issues in the EU framework. "Certain issues linked to security and defence or finance are hardly touched upon in our discussion with third countries. A way must be found to overcome that problem; it is simply not possible to engage in a serious political partnership with the US (as EU) without talking about these matters"; Well functioning co-ordination with international partners and actors. In large part this means seeking, "a more productive format for our contacts with third countries", going beyond the structure of ritualistic meetings, some of them lacking in substance. (Javier Solana has already been singled out for the frankness of his criticism with regard to common Union strategies for third countries: Editor's note).
With regard to the future, Mr Solana pointed out that he wanted to avoid getting involved in the "institutional engineering", and made the following suggestions which don't require changes to the Treaty:
External representation should be delegated by the Council to the High Representative, in collaboration with the Commissioner responsible for external relations, where appropriate.
The High Representative should be empowered to present proposals and in collaboration with the Commissioner for external relations, when appropriate.
A permanent Chair for the External Relations Council is necessary and many of the suggestions above could be achieved if the High Representative ("as many have proposed") was appointed to this post.
Unanimity at 25 or more on each and every CFSP issue will make decision-making very difficult and therefore need to reflect on the possibility of "enlarging the existing possibilities for majority voting while taking full account of the interests and specific situations of Member States" and the issue of "constructive abstention and reinforced co-operation".
"Pragmatic" pooling of diplomatic resources would offer the potential of developing a "European Foreign Ministry at a pace and in a manner that the Member States feel comfortable with".
Mr Solana also took a hard look at budget related issues and noted: the CFSP budget line for 2002 "is not just negligible - it is laughable: 35 MEuro", whereas the financing of military operations needs clear mechanisms and legal basis; more direct synergy is undoubtedly needed between CFSP policy-making and Community instruments" (Mr Solana pointed out that, "The current, strong co-operation between myself and Chris Patten is based on friendship and personal chemistry, rather than obvious institutional arrangement"; the levels of defence spending are "worrisome", with a few exceptions.
Mr Solana raises questions on long-term Council Presidency
Answering questions by Peter Hain, representing the British government at the Convention, on how appropriate it is to have a long-term European president, Mr Solana admitted he had not yet reached a definite position but asked a certain number of questions. Thus, more concerned by substance than by "architecture", he mainly asks whether such an indepth change would really make it possible to face up to the failings noted. Give me one good reason for creating this post other than that of having a European interlocutor for President Bush, said Mr Solana. He felt that the EU already has a good level of dialogue with the US (and that, at any rate, even with a European president, the Heads of State and government would continue to go to Washington individually). Regarding the idea that the Chief Representative for CFSP should, in future, be a Commission Vice-President, Mr Solana (who based his whole argument on his own concrete experience) noted that a High Representative who is a member of the College of Commissioners would be subject to the rule of majority which is characteristic of the Commission, and which the Member States are not ready to accept.