Samenvatting: Ashton met EP in debat over EDEO en Turkije (en)
Catherine Ashton i in the European Parliament © EU
The latest developments in Turkey and a review of the EU's foreign policy service, the European External Action Service (EEAS) were two key issues debated in the European Parliament this week.
The EU's Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton outlined the Union's position on Turkey and also spoke about the EEAS in response to a Parliamentary report.
In addition the European Parliament also held key Foreign Policy debates on human rights and democracy, freedom of the press, the promotion and protection of freedom of religion or belief, the crisis in Mali, the proposed EU-US trade deal and a partnership agreement with Afghanistan.
Situation in Turkey
Since 27 May Turkey has been hit by a wave of civil protests. The environmental concerns of the initial demonstrators have developed into the wider concerns of a significant portion of society who feel their voice is not heard in Turkish politics today.
Catherine Ashton has followed events very closely and coordinated closely with the Enlargement and Neighbourhood Policy Commissioner Stefan Füle - who had happened to be in Istanbul last week at a conference.
Catherine Ashton issued two statements (through her spokesperson on the 2 June and herself on 9 June) and spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister Davutoglu on 11 June. Mrs Ashon said to the European Parliament "I have been very clear in my statements - and I repeat it again - that excessive use of force by members of the police against peaceful demonstrators must be swiftly and thoroughly investigated, and those responsible held accountable."
She went on to say "this is an important moment for Turkey even a chance for it to renew its commitment to European values". She said that Turkey, as a candidate country for possible EU membership, needs to aspire to the highest possible democratic standards and practice which include "the freedom to express opinion and assemble peacefully, freedom of the media, and freedom of religion, belief and thought."
For Catherine Ashton the answer to the latest development in Turkey is "engagement not antagonism". She said to MEPs: "Our relationship with Turkey gives a unique opportunity to influence - if we use it. We need to make the most of all the tools we have - and of course, Turkey needs to work with us. It is clear to me that the case for engagement is doubly compelling now".
2013 review of the EEAS
The EEAS was launched two-and-half year ago against the backdrop of the worst economic crisis the EU has ever faced. The debate in the European Parliament was the opportunity to take stock of the progress made, but also to exchange on what could be improved in the short term or for the future.
Catherine Ashton's ambition, when she took office in 2009, was to build the foundations of a 21st century European service. She said that EU foreign policy shall be based on three key elements: the EU's neighborhood, the comprehensive approach and the collective weight the EU can bring to bear when its 27 countries act collectively.
Catherine Ashton believes that the EU is more relevant to our neighbours now than before the Lisbon Treaty. She said to Members of the European Parliament that the EU has unparalleled influence and leverage to promote and to deliver in our neighborhood, and that we should use it.
On the comprehensive approach, the EU's Foreign Policy Chief reminded Members that the merger of three different jobs make the EU to a unique policy partner. She declared "we can combine the different instruments that we have: our support for the rule of law, our civilian and military operations, our development aid, our diplomacy; operations that tackle not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of a crisis or a situation, and our capacity to remain there for the long term."
Finally, she recalled that the EU's is the world's largest economy. She highlighted in her speech to the House that "collectively we can achieve things that individual Member States - and they all say this - cannot do. That is why for example, it is right that the EU is leading on work in Somalia, our work in Serbia - Kosovo and on the Iran nuclear file."
The High Representative will present in a few weeks to Member States her report on the review. In the plenary Chamber of the European Parliament Catherine Ashton announced that she will focus her report on three particular areas: cooperation with the European Commission, the question of deputising for the High Representative/Vice President, and the structure and operation of the EEAS.
Catherine Ashton wound up the debate on the EEAS review by saying, "I have often said that setting up the service was like trying to fly a plane or getting it off the ground while you are still putting the wings on."
For more information:
Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the latest developments in Turkey
Statement by EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on EEAS Review