Published in the Financial Times, 4 March 2005
Sir, It is disappointing but not surprising that bureaucratic interests in Brussels are fighting a turf war over the future European diplomatic service (“Brussels at odds over new post”, February 28). If the aim is to give the EU a stronger and more coherent voice in the world, then clearly the task should fall to the European Commission. It is already responsible for many aspects of EU external policy, is nominated by national governments and is accountable to the directly elected European parliament.
The alternative is yet more confusion in the lines of responsibility and accountability, which might suit national civil servants, but not the citizens of Europe.
Richard Laming, Director, Federal Union, London SE1 7TZ