MEPs give full backing to strengthening of EU capacity to act abroad

12.00.00pm GMT Tue 22nd Jan 2008

The Foreign Affairs Committee of the European Parliament today voted its opinion on the Treaty of Lisbon. MEPs welcomed the changes made to EU common foreign, security and defence policy, in particular the up-grading of the High Representative and the creation of the new External Action Service. After the adoption of his report (by 42 votes to 5), rapporteur Andrew Duff (UK, Lib Dem) said:

"The Treaty of Lisbon means that, at last, the EU has the chance to develop a proper common policy in the external field. People should soon see the Union playing a larger part in international affairs and being more coherent in strategic terms.

"The European Parliament has important new responsibilities, notably in agreeing the appointment of the High Representative, in shaping the External Action Service and in improving its own relations with national parliaments.

"There is much work to be done by all three institutions during 2008 so that the Treaty can work well from day one. We expect the Commission to play a positive role in proposing, with the High Representative, foreign policy initiatives.

"Parliament itself will have greater powers of scrutiny over EU security and defence missions, such as in Kosovo, as well as the capacity to influence them by using its budgetary powers to control spending."

Referring specifically to the current British debate on the Treaty, Duff said:

"The inhibitions of some Members of the House of Commons about the development of a common European policy are really quite odd. Who cannot fail to realise that Britain's capacity to influence global events is enhanced by closer cooperation with its European partners? In foreign, security and defence policy, it is obvious that Britain can contribute a great deal to Europe's future in this new era of global security concerns as well as benefiting from it.

"The Treaty of Lisbon should be welcomed for making a huge difference to the capability of the EU in international affairs, as well as to Britain's place within the Union."

Click on the link below to see the full opinion:

http://www.europarl.europa.eu/meetdocs/2004_2009/documents/pa/698/698274/698274en.pdf