European External Action Service
First step is taken, but more must follow
Regarding today's vote of the European Parliament on the Brok Report on the European External Action Service (EEAS), Indrek Tarand, Greens/EFA shadow rapporteur and Franziska Brantner, Greens/EFA foreign affairs spokesperson, commented:
"We welcome the fact that work on the new External Action Service has started and that the European Parliament was able to adopt a position at this early stage.
However, with the adoption of the Brok Report, the Parliament has only taken a position on structures. It has omitted what is most important: a concept for new and comprehensive foreign policy. Regarding the complex challenges for external action, such as climate change and failed states, we urgently need a new and integrated concept for policy making. We hope that the European Parliament will in future take account of the strategic importance of addressing the substance and functions of the new structure.
Unfortunately our amendments on the creation of a peace-building directorate, gender equality with regards to new top jobs and the creation of a comprehensive External Action Academy have been voted down. We still hope that the Council will appoint a woman as High Representative/Vice-President of the Commission."
