At the informal meeting of EU Foreign Ministers which I co-hosted with High Representative Ashton in Dublin on 22-23 March, a range of issues were discussed in relation to the current Review of the European External Action Service. Some member States have suggested that the Service might take on a greater role in relation to consular assistance. Ireland believes that the EEAS has the potential to significantly improve EU effectiveness and coherence across a range of areas. Much progress has already been made during its first two years of operation. The network of EU delegations has a particular role to play in this regard, not least in terms of sharing of information and analysis. This represents an important resource, particularly for a smaller member State such as Ireland.
As consular protection (assistance) to citizens is a member State competence, the EEAS does not have the legal power to take on such a role. In addition, the EEAS currently has neither the capacity nor the expertise to take on a direct role in this area. EU delegations and other mechanisms, such as Civil Protection, can and should play an important role in assisting with the coordination of the EU’s response to crisis situations.
In the context of the current Review, Ireland believes that the focus should be on consolidating capacity in areas for which the EEAS already has responsibility and improving coordination mechanisms. We look forward to hearing the proposals of the High Representative in due course.