Well, not
according to Steven Vanackere, Belgium's Foreign Minister in its caretaker government. Well, he should know, though I do not consider the comments encouraging:
The minister acknowledged that European countries do not always act in unison.
We are experiencing a shift of foreign policy paradigm, Vanackere said, adding: It will still take time.
But the challenge should inspire us.
The problem remains that common foreign policy cannot be produced without there being a common European interest, which does not exist. However, Mr Vanackere does understand that the structure can be created anyway and put into place without people noticing too much, as has already happened with the External Action Service.
Vanackere stressed that what he acknowledged was a hybrid of policymaking between national governments, which always will reserve the right to make decisions about war and peace, and a growing EU role and bureaucracy in international negotiations.
One day it will be fully in existence (though not functional)and even Conservative "eurosceptics" and the various front organizations will be aware of it.
This morning, pre-edit, I initially this was about fish. The full name, CFSP (Common Foreign and Security Policy), removes ambiguity I suppose. If member states cannot agree even on Turkish accession, how can they share a foreign policy?
ReplyDeleteCFP: a policy to ensure no fish exist
CFSP: a fishy policy that cannot exist
(Needs work...)
Yes, I am sorry about that flub earlier, Clarence. I did do a stealth edit before I noticed your comment and put up another posting about the CFP. I quite like your effort there but agree that it needs work. :)
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