Press review

The new European diplomatic service is proving to be a much contested issue, so much so that now the EP is ready to take drastic measures to assert its influence on the matter. Meanwhile, a possible European fund doesn’t seem likely to happen as it would require a further treaty change.

Lady Ashton seems to slowly set into her position as high representative, as she seeks to assert her leading role in EU foreign policy in the Middle East. Meanwhile, her colleague, Council President Herman Van Rompuy is trying to make headway in the Balkans.

The EU’s diplomatic future has become a much contested area. The structure and the aims of the new EU diplomatic service seem to be the major sticking points in this turf war between the institutions and member states

The post-Lisbon honeymoon period was short lived. Tensions between member states, the Commission, and the European Parliament have once again begun to flare over several topics. Meanwhile, some experts consider that the Barroso II commission will be favorable to European development policy.

The commission has for the first time pronounced itself in favor the Russian pipeline rivaling the Nabucco project. On the enlargement front, experts debate the outcome of the recent expansion and future prospects, while Serbia seeks to push forward its own aspirations.

The new diplomatic service envisioned under the Lisbon Treaty is causing much strife before it has even been created. The pre-planning for the service is being treated as a tug-war between the EC and member states on who should have more of a say in the matter. Meanwhile, the new Ukrainian leader, while trying to keep relations balanced between Moscow and Brussels, has nevertheless reiterated the desire for EU integration.

The new diplomatic service of the European Union is slowly beginning to take shape with a new advisor for Lady Ashton. The service faces no easy tasks, as it will potentially have to deal with tricky situations such as a Ukraine seeking balanced relations with Moscow and Brussels.

Shortly after their approval, the new commissioners are beginning to face the sensitive issues in their sectors. For Malmstrom, one of these issues is irregular immigration. Ms. Ashton also seems to have her work cut out for her as she tries to tackle present tensions in the Balkans.

The new commission is starting to get back to work as it begins to tackle the loose ends of its term in a caretaker role, such as the position of EU ambassador to the US which remained vacant for three months. On the enlargement front, the outlook seems to be promising for the FYROM and Croatia.

The EU is set to face some tricky talks with the council of Europe on its bid to join the European human rights convention. Meanwhile, as Iceland prepares to start EU membership talks, Belarus risks being shunned away from any form of cooperation.