EU to improve partnership with Lanka

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

Following the Lisbon Treaty on December 1 the European Union will have one voice to make decisions regarding problems affecting Europe and other countries in the world.

The Ambassador, and the Head of the Delegation, European Union Bernard Savage said the changes will further improve the way the EU conducts its foreign policy and improve its partnership with Sri Lanka and the Maldives.

The delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka and the Maldives at the press briefing in Colombo recently. From L-R: Guy Platton, the Head of Finance and Contracts, Bernard Savage, Ambassador, Head of the Delegation, Gonzalo Jorro, Martinez, the political officer. Pic: Kavindra Perera

He was speaking at a media briefing in Colombo last week. Asked whether the European Union will revoke its stand on the GSP plus issue, the ambassador refused to comment initially but said the EU had not withdrawn the facility completely but continuing discussions with the Sri Lankan government for its implementation.

Answering a question relating to the issue of the Schengen Visa he said the EU may be empowered ultimately to issue such visas instead from various embassies. However, the EU has not taken a decision in this regard, he said. He said the delegation of the European Union have ceased following the formation of the Lisbon Treaty with more powers to solve urgent problems.

The aim was to make the European Union more efficient, more democratic and transparent to its citizens and harmonise its relationship with other countries.

The ambassador said the Treaty of Lisbon will focus on fundamental issues relating to human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, rule of law and respect for human rights. The new treaty gives the EU Charter of Fundamental rights a legally binding force and a citizens right to initiate legislation in the European parliament.

Meanwhile, the delegations of the European Commissions in third world countries have now become delegations of the European Union that represent the European Union.

The decision-making procedures of the European parliament have been simplified while the European Council with heads of State and the Government of 28 member States and the President of the European Commission have become an official institution of the European Union.

The former Prime Minister of Belgium Herman Van Rompuy became the first President of the European Council on December 1, 2009.

The most important aspect of the Lisbon treaty relates to foreign affairs where a new post has been created to merge the roles of the previous High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security policy and the Commissioner for External Relations.

Baroness Catherine Aston from the United Kingdom has been appointed as the first EU Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security policy and Vice President of the European Commission responsible for External relations.