MEPs appeared to be warming to High Representative Catherine Ashton after her speech on the future of the EU’s external action in the plenary session of the European Parliament, on 10 March, but until they receive more substantive details, in particular on the nature of involvement for Parliament, they are reserving judgement.

POSITIVE

The chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence, Arnaud Danjean (EPP, France), who presented a report to the same plenary session looking at how the Lisbon Treaty will affect the Common Security and Defence Policy, told Europoliticsthat Ashton was generating increasing support among his fellow deputies. “The reactions of MEPs were more positive than before with many saying we’re ready to work with you, but the ball is in your court now,” he said. He also warned that the “real test will be the plan she gives on the External Action Service”.

In general, MEPs seem to be showing greater sympathy to Ashton, with Elmar Brok of the European People’s Party (Christian Democrats) group noting the “difficult job” she had on her hands, Annemie Neyts-Uyttebroeck (ALDE, Belgium) complimenting her “excellent presentation” during a “difficult period,” and even her domestic political rival, Charles Tannock (ECR, UK) promising “we will support you if you show you’re up to the daunting challenge”. But their public backing - like her public promises - remained tellingly vague.

BEHIND THE SCENES

Speaking to Europolitics, Brok said he was encouraged by her positive approaches, both in the plenary session and behind the scenes, but stopped short of saying she could count on the Parliament’s support yet. Ashton could get the go-ahead from the EPP and others “if the service is done in a way that we can accept, and only if,” Brok emphasised. In what he described as “interesting talks” with Ashton, the agenda has now turned to the “part of the agreement on budget rights and budget control,” Brok said, highlighting one of the MEPs’ key concerns. Many more crucial details of the service remain “unclarified because there is no principle agreement between Parliament, Commission and Council,” he noted.

Parliament’s acceptance of the EEAS blueprint is essential because the institution has co-decision powers on the elements of finance and staff regulations, effectively giving it the power to block or delay the plan.

FEW DETAILS

In her presentation to the plenary session, Ashton described setting up the EEAS as “messy, complicated but also exciting”. The same could not be said for her speech, though. It contained simple, solid messages, which were above all unlikely to garner negative headlines.

She outlined several foreign policy issues she wished to pursue as priorities, starting with three main areas: improving the EU’s ability to conduct military operations, better coordinated civilian responses to crises and better relationships with other major international players, such as the UN and NATO. She also responded to repeated concerns from MEPs about the nuclear issue, agreeing that “it’s very important we move forward” on non-proliferation. She cited the Western Balkans as “an incredibly important area of work” and held up progress in the region “even if it’s uneven and incomplete” as significant progress and said she was pleased the EU was “their main incentive for reform”.