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Ajouter un commentaireThese are difficult times for those who dream of a strong European Union which is well respected in its handling of international affairs. The Arab world is raging amid pro-democracy protests and revolutions and, especially in the
- Protests in Libya
Mediterranean, matters are becoming ever more complicated : the international community, led by the United States, has reacted strongly in support of the newly installed democracies of Tunisia and Egypt, and appears to be preparing for decisive action against the Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. Despite this, political decision-making in Europe still lies with the EU’s 27 foreign ministers, especially as regards the ’big’ member states. However, the Foreign Affairs Council held a conference when the situation in Libya took a dramatic turn for the worse – but the declaration made in conclusion referred only to Gaddafi’s country, leaving the issues of Tunisia and Egypt to one side and failing to consider the possibility – if not probability – that this might have an effect on other Arab nations such as Algeria, Morocco, Bahrain, Yemen and even Saudi Arabia. What is more, those attending the conference only took those decisions that were strictly necessary, such as the embargo on arms sales, border control and support for the democratic transition – all of which does not add up to an adequate response.
- Hosni Mubarak, Muammar Gaddafi and Zine el-Abidine Ben Ali
However, as pointed out in Enric González’s article published in El País on Sunday 6 March, the protests in the Arab world “are affecting such a large number of people and territory, possibly leading to huge political and geostrategic changes, and are liable to have such an impact on the world economy as well as causing an atmosphere of diplomatic uncertainty – it would have been difficult to imagine that the 21st century would bring so many events of such high significance.” We are currently experiencing a period of change which will undoubtedly transform the world as we know it, but Europe’s reactions seem to be too moderate, too conservative ; the Member States are showing themselves to be cautious given the possible consequences in relation to immigration and energy supply. This is all because, more than anything else, Baroness Catherine Ashton was unable to give the Council a stronger position. Many expected Europe to immediately condemn the violent reactions of the North African dictators and to firmly support the wave of democracy sweeping through the Arab world. This would have allowed Europe not only to gain popularity in the eyes of Arab nations, but also to break with the typical realpolitik ambiguity adopted by the US (which, on the one hand, shows support for dictators who may be of use in its plans within a given region, but, on the other, puts itself across as the ’exporter of democracy’ where it deems necessary).
Taking a strong position on this fundamental matter of external politics would have paved the way to a European democratic identity differing from America’s vision of the world, and would also have helped Europe to be seen as a reliable authority for the international community. Yet this has not happened, mainly because certain countries – particularly France and Italy – have chosen to protect their own minor interests rather than firmly promoting democratic transition in North Africa and the creation of a genuine European external policy.
The crisis currently affecting the Arab world, and the EU’s reaction to it, are entirely revelatory of the political and personal weakness of High Representative Catherine Ashton. The English baroness, who is also the EC’s Commissioner for Trade, has once again found herself under the microscope due to her inability to influence the Council’s decisions. The head of European democracy has already faced criticism for the way she dealt with the disaster in Haiti and the Gaza flotilla incident last year, but the meagre response she has shown during the Arab revolts could well mean the end of her career as High Representative. In fact, Council President Hermann Van Rompuy has already begun to take the reins, calling for an emergency summit of European Council leaders to be held on 11 March in order to discuss the conflict in North Africa.
- The President of the European Council with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs
Catherine Ashton, along with the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, will be required to present a report on the situation, proposing any measures deemed necessary. It seems clear that Van Rompuy’s aim here is to undermine Lady Ashton’s authority and take control of Europe’s foreign policy.
Perhaps it is time for Catherine Ashton to accept that she is not the right person to handle a matter so important, so sensitive, as European diplomacy. Her appointment to this post has allowed many Member States to achieve what they had been striving for ; that is, putting someone in control who is weak and incapable of objecting to the political giants of France, the UK and Germany. However, Europe deserves more if it is to retain its international diplomatic position. We deserve a strong leader who is able to make use of the higher powers to which the High Representative has been entitled since the Treaty of Lisbon was signed, and who is able to recognise the changes that are currently under way in our world, as well as those yet to come.
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Y ahora qué, Baronesa Ashton ?
Was nun, Lady Ashton ?
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