Strategic Panorama 2009 - 2010 - IEEE

The Treaty of Lisbon and the common security and defence policy
the EU’s voice stronger and more unified still, through quiet diplomacy and
concerted action.
The High Representative holds that her main priority is to set up the
new diplomatic service provided for in the Treaty of Lisbon, the European
External Action Service, which will be based in Brussels with representations
all over the world. Ashton defines this Service as «a network that is
the pride of Europe and the envy of the rest of the world, with the most
talented people from all the Member States of the EU working in our
common interest. It should offer our citizens added value to what their
countries already do, and give our partners around the world a trusted and
reliable ally on European issues.»
As for the CSDP, Ashton states that the EU must pull its weight in areas
of crisis and conflict. This is the responsibility of a global actor and also
a sound policy for the security of Europe. The High Representative describes
her objective as being «to enhance cooperation, to use the various
crisis-management tools we already have and develop them and our civilian
and military capabilities further in order to get the job done»(4).
The Committee of Permanent Representatives of the Member States
(COREPER)
A Committee of permanent representatives of the Member States is
responsible for preparing the work of the Council and performing the
tasks assigned to it by the latter. COREPER is chaired by the permanent
representative or deputy permanent representative of the state holding the
Presidency of the Council.
With respect to the Treaty of Lisbon, the draft European Council
Decision annexed to the Treaty concerning the exercise of the Presidency
of the Council states that COREPER shall be chaired by a representative
of the Member State chairing the General Affairs Council.
The Political and Security Committee (PSC)
Without prejudice to the role of the COREPER, the Political and
Security Committee (PSC), convened at ambassador or political director
level, shall monitor the international situation in the areas covered by the
(4) ASHTON, CATHERINE, «Quiet diplomacy will get our voice heard», The Times, 17
December 2009, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/guest_contributors/article6959513.ece.
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