The year 2009 was a year of substantive change for the European Union. After almost ten years of long negotiations and many modifications and opt-outs reform treaty, the Lisbon Treaty, was finally ratified by all the 27 Member States of the Union. For some only slightly changed rejected Constitution for Europe, for others a hope of stronger and united Union. As a matter of course the EU needed a reform, indeed. Especially after the eastern enlargement of the European Union in May 2004 it became clear that the Union can not continue to function under the existing treaties that were drafter for 15 Member States.
One of the major changes that the Lisbon Treaty brought is concerning the external representation of the EU, namely the establishment of the President of the European Council, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy that shall be assisted by a European External Action Service. This will be the main content of this research paper, to determine and analyze the developments within the framework of the external relations of the EU in post-Lisbon period.
The Lisbon Treaty is a result of numerous compromises and appeasements and for many still remains merely relabeled Constitution for Europe that transforms the EU into some kind of “super state” with its own President, Minister of Foreign Affairs and diplomatic crops. These arguments are naturally not entirely wrong. The Lisbon Treaty is practically only modification of previously rejected Treaty establishing a Constitution for Europe and number of criticized items were not removed from the Treaty but simply just renamed with its intended functions unchanged, at least in the area of external relations. One might ask why then all the lengthy and complex proceedings? It looks more like a quarrelling over terminology and some players wanting to gain more time for bargaining.
What remains of a concern is also the positioning of the newly established posts. Many Member States were truly astonished with the selected persons. The citizens of the EU were no less surprised not knowing the man who is going to be their new “President” and hearing most of the time for the first time the name of their “Minister of Foreign Affairs”. Logically, it could be that it was just a strategic step of some of the large Member States who were worried to have a strong and confident people on such high ranked posts.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Changes brought by the Lisbon Treaty
3. The reformed EU = a move from supranationality to intergovernmentalsim?
4. High Representative – “A Foreign Minister”
5. The EEAS – “A Foreign Service”
6. Greater role for the EU Delegations
7. The new EU external representation
8. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper aims to analyze the structural and institutional developments of the European Union following the ratification of the Lisbon Treaty, with a specific focus on the transformation of its external relations and the newly established diplomatic posts.
- Institutional impact of the Lisbon Treaty on EU external representation.
- The shift from supranational governance toward increased intergovernmentalism.
- The role and mandate of the High Representative and the European External Action Service (EEAS).
- The evolving functions of EU Delegations in international negotiations.
- Challenges regarding the clarity and coherence of the EU's "one voice" policy.
Excerpt from the Book
The EEAS – “A Foreign Service”
During the General Affairs Council that gathered in Luxembourg on 26th April 2010 a political agreement on the EEAS was reached although it required lot of effort from the rotating Spanish Presidency, especially in coordinating different opinions of all 27 EU Member States. Nevertheless, after long discussions and many compromises the parties came to a conclusion and the biggest development of the post-Lisbon EU got a green light. The decision was adopted by the Council on 26th July 2010 establishing the EEAS and setting out its organization and function. The final approval is still expected in the form of approved budget by the Parliament, which does should be in the second semester 2010. The budget has been estimated to EUR 9,5 million and approximately 100 additional staff and will allow the EEAS to formally come into being by 1st December 2010.
The EEAS will have similar tasks as national foreign ministries and will comprise of central administration and the EU delegations that will carry out tasks previously done by the rotating Presidency. Apart from supporting the HR the “EEAS will also assist the President of the European Council and the Commission and its President in their functions in the area of external relations. It will cooperate with Member States and other institutions, especially the European Parliament, to whose Members it will also provide logistical support in third countries”. According to the Treaty article 27 (3) the service shall comprise officials from the Secretariat of the Council and the Commission as well as staff from the national diplomatic services of the Member States, which will make up at least one third of the EEAS. As from July 2013 officials from other institutions (e.g. European Parliament) can also apply for jobs in EEAS. At the time of writing the MEPs have not given their consent to the service’s legal and budgetary structure but the HR Catherine Ashton is about to held interviews with the candidates over the next few weeks.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the Lisbon Treaty's ratification context and introduces the research paper's focus on the EU's post-Lisbon external representation.
2. Changes brought by the Lisbon Treaty: Discusses the introduction of key institutional roles like the President of the European Council and the establishment of the EEAS as instruments for reform.
3. The reformed EU = a move from supranationality to intergovernmentalsim?: Analyzes whether the treaty shifts the EU toward intergovernmental structures at the expense of its supranational character.
4. High Representative – “A Foreign Minister”: Examines the fused mandate of the new High Representative and the challenges of managing double representation.
5. The EEAS – “A Foreign Service”: Details the organizational structure, budget, and responsibilities of the newly formed European External Action Service.
6. Greater role for the EU Delegations: Evaluates how the delegation of tasks previously held by the rotating Presidency impacts operational efficiency.
7. The new EU external representation: Summarizes the practical complications and lack of clarity resulting from the new institutional framework.
8. Conclusion: Summarizes the current transitional challenges and the uncertain future effectiveness of the reforms.
Keywords
Lisbon Treaty, European Union, External Relations, European External Action Service, EEAS, High Representative, Intergovernmentalism, Supranationality, EU Delegations, Foreign Policy, Institutional Reform, Catherine Ashton, Herman Van Rompuy, Diplomatic Service, Sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this research?
The paper explores the structural changes in the European Union's external relations and representation mechanisms introduced by the Lisbon Treaty.
What are the core thematic areas?
Key themes include the establishment of the EEAS, the new roles of the President and the High Representative, and the shift in the balance of power between supranational and intergovernmental interests.
What is the ultimate goal of the reform?
The reform aimed to create a stronger, more transparent Union capable of acting with a single, clear, and united voice on the international stage.
Which methodology is applied?
The author performs a qualitative analysis of treaty provisions, institutional changes, and current political developments following the 2009 ratification.
What does the main body cover?
It provides an in-depth look at the functions of the EEAS, the complexities of the High Representative's mandate, and the operational transition of EU Delegations.
Which keywords best describe the work?
Central terms include Lisbon Treaty, EEAS, intergovernmentalism, external representation, and institutional reform.
How does the author view the shift toward intergovernmentalism?
The author perceives it as a development that protects Member State sovereignty but potentially slows down the process of European integration.
What is the main critique regarding the new EU posts?
The author argues that the posts were potentially filled by less powerful or charismatic individuals to ensure they remained easier for large Member States to manipulate.
Why is the "one voice" objective described as chaotic?
The author notes that overlapping mandates between the President of the Council and the High Representative create confusion for international partners.
- Citation du texte
- Iveta Pychova (Auteur), 2010, The EU External Relations after the Lisbon Treaty, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/164914
