Downing Street Says » European Union

Asked what we were seeking to change, other than the name, in the role of the EU Foreign Minister, the Prime Minister’s Official Spokesman (PMOS) replied that we were seeking for an EU Foreign Minister to be answerable to the Council, and that it was clear it was an inter-governmental role rather than being answerable to the Commission. But we were also clear that there should be nothing that diluted in any way, our ability to set our own foreign and defence policy. Asked what we wanted to call this role, the PMOS replied that we would not be getting into the detail of negotiations. The key point was that this person was answerable to the Heads of Government, as represented in the European Council.

Put that in the last treaty it was also the case that the Foreign Minister would be answerable to the Council, and had this changed since, the PMOS replied that it had not. All that had changed was that some people had raised this question, and we wanted reassurances that this was the case. Like much of this debate, it was about making sure that people were reassured that certain myths did not have any bearing in reality.

Asked if there would be translation or whether the Prime Minister’s linguistic skills would come into play during the Sarkozy phone call, the PMOS replied that he thought there would be a translator present on the call. Some of the technical detail in these exchanges on Europe would defy most people’s linguistic skill, certainly his own included, which were non-existent.

Put that Geoff Hoon had mentioned at lunchtime that he was unsure whether he was going to the Council, and asked if he would be, the PMOS replied that this was a matter for the Foreign Office.

Put that despite the red lines set out by the Prime Minister, there would be concessions on QMV in other areas, the PMOS replied that we would not be getting into details of negotiations. It was important that we set out clearly what the red lines were, and that we look at the substance. In issues of criminal law, in issues of tax and benefits, issues of foreign and defence policy, we will retain control over our own affairs.

Asked if the Foreign Secretary would be attending, the PMOS replied that she would be as the Foreign Secretary always attends.

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» Tuesday, June 19, 2007

European Union

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