Snelle opbouw Europese diplomatieke dienst na aanvaarding Grondwet (en)

EUOBSERVER / BRUSSELS - The creation of a new EU diplomatic service could start as early as the autumn if the European Constitution is agreed by member states next week.

Governments have agreed that in order for the new foreign minister to have a well-functioning back-up service by the time the post comes into being, then preparations have to start straight away.

If the Constitution is finalised by EU leaders on 17-18 June, it is will not come into force until at least 2006 - but it is set to be signed in the early autumn.

Directly after this, the machinery surrounding the foreign minister post, which will essentially be an EU diplomatic service made up of civil servants from both the member states and the European Commission delegations, will be put into place.

Dutch EU ambassador Tom de Bruijn said earlier this week that his country's EU Presidency, which starts on 1 July, will immediately begin the "practical work" to prepare the entry into force of the treaty.

Speaking about the diplomatic service Mr de Bruijn said "You don't just prepare that from one day to another".

Pre-empting agreement?

However, The Hague has to be careful with how this is presented.

A Dutch diplomat told the EUobserver that some member states have warned against starting implementation "when people have not yet voted [in a referendum on the Constitution]".

Presenting a fait accompli before the proposed referenda (in at least 8 countries)is likely to anger voters - especially in countries where the fight for a yes is likely to be particularly hard.

But other member states would like to press ahead as quickly as possible.

Two big institutional changes that are being considered for early introduction are a new post of EU foreign minister - some want it to be in place by November - and having a president of the eurogroup - something pushed by France.

Tying up the loose ends

However, this goes on the assumption that member states will reach an agreement on the Constitution next week.

On Thursday, the Irish EU Presidency sent a further document to member states outlining where agreement has been reached - including on the EU budget and enhanced co-operation in defence.

However, the controversial institutional issues have not been mentioned and will be left to the final summit on Thursday and Friday of next week.