Ashton's proposal for the EEAS contradicts the intentions of the Treaty

PRESS RELEASE, 25 MARCH 2010

In a press conference at the Council this afternoon, High representative Catherine Ashton has presented her proposal for the European External Action Service. We don't understand how this proposal has been put together. It seems that use of development funds are likely to be directed by political interest by the Union.

With the construction of the EEAS being proposed, it will be a mix of different policy interests, which will undermine the EU's role in the world. With regards to the transparency it is difficult to see how a service constructed in this way could work. Setting up the service in the way it is proposed today by HR Ashton it will create only fragmentation and confusion about accountablilities and responsibilities between the institutions and provides a perfect recipe for institutional conflict.

For more information please contact Verena Winkler This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 0032 - 474 576 737 or Simon Stocker This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 0032 - 489 479 147

Please see the new Eurostep briefing paper on the EEAS:
Defining the EU’s Management and Implementation of its External Actions in Accordance with the Provisions of the Treaty