EU External Action Service: ECR group will engage constructively

Strasbourg, 6th July 2010

Strasbourg, 6th July 2010 -- The European Conservatives and Reformists group in the European Parliament was not initially supportive of the creation of an EU External Action Service but it will now engage constructively in the new architecture, Charles Tannock MEP, ECR foreign affairs spokesman in the European Parliament will say later today. The parliament will debate the service this afternoon, ahead of a vote tomorrow morning.

Dr Tannock will say:

"We were opposed to the creation of the EEAS but we are now reconciled to engaging constructively within the new architecture in the best interests of our countries.

"I pay credit to Baroness Ashton whose administrative skills and consensual approach have earned her considerable credit.

"I would have liked a greater emphasis on a government led approach, and a merit-based selection that also allows for fair geographical balance across the EU and some political appointees.

"I welcome the proposed incorporation of the Commission geographical desks for strategic thinking on development and aid policy-making into the service.

"The modest increase in powers for the European Parliament such as informal confirmation hearings for senior appointees, and the emphasis on budgetary scrutiny will further increase democratic oversight of the service.

"I hope that national MPs will be closely involved from the start in scrutinising the EEAS. This is especially important from the point of view of the military Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions, which are funded from national budgets.

"The recent abolition of the WEU Parliamentary Assembly leaves a serious gap in national parliamentary scrutiny. As the UK is a significant contributor to such missions our national MPs must be kept fully appraised if these missions are to retain popular support back home.

"I welcome that Mr Brok, as Rapporteur, has included my amendment in his text which supports national parliamentary involvement. This is crucial to ensuring that the new service is subject to proper democratic scrutiny."

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In July 2009, the ECR was formed by eight political parties who share the common goals of opposition to Euro-federalism and of fundamental reform of the European Union to make it more accountable, transparent and responsive to the needs of the people.

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