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 e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 0032 - 474 576 737 or Simon Stocker This e-mail 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

• The ongoing implementation of the EEAS
• Is there any commitment to an effective EU common foreign policy?
• Ashton responds to concerns raised in light of new External Action Service
• The EU looks to civil society organisations in the Arab region
• European External Action Service: Much remains to be done
• Ashton appoints two Managing Directors for the EEAS
• EEAS to launch on 1 December
• Parliament wins greater powers over EEAS
• Potential Delay in EEAS Launch
• Parliament demands more control over EEAS budget
• Amnesty raises concerns over position of human rights in EEAS
• MEPs protest EEAS appointments by delaying vote
• The European External Actions Service (EEAS)
• Ashton aims for balance over top EEAS appointments
• MEPs protest imbalanced EEAS appointments
• Half of DG Development staff to be moved to EEAS
• EU Parliament finally approves EEAS
• These meetings are like capacity building - for whom?
• Final details of EEAS emerge
• A political agreement reached on creation of EEAS
• Community method - the make or break for EP agreement on the EEAS
• National parliamentarians discuss EEAS with MEPs
• Should we reject Ashton's proposals on establishing the EEAS?
• Ashton's team expect agreement soon on terms for establish the EEAS
• Development policy within the External Action Service
• Development-proofing the European External Action Service
• The Development Commissioner must have full responsibility and authority over development, urge NGOs
• No progress in turf war over EEAS
• Negotiations on the EEAS need development perspective
• Court of Auditors adds its voice to concerns over EEAS
• Ashton’s EEAS proposal breaches EU law
• Lawyers say Ashton's EEAS proposal is contrary to Lisbon Treaty
• Parliament links budget approval to agreement on EEAS organisation
• Green perspectives on EEAS: Debate with Civil Society
• EU’s new diplomatic service to control development budget
• Ashton outlines organisational structure of EEAS
• MEPs' anger over EEAS
• Establishing the EEAS in conformity with the Treaty
• EU Commission and Member States battle for control of EEAS
• EU institutions struggle for control of EEAS
• Commission discusses terms of recruitment for EEAS
• Ashton sidelines Parliament in creation of EEAS working group
• Briefing No. 48: Defining the EU's Management and Implementation of its External Actions
• Briefing No. 44: Five Compelling Reasons why to keep Development outside the EEAS