Solana keeps faith with new diplomatic service

Javier Solana, the European Union's foreign policy representative, said 30 May 2005 that the EU would forge ahead with plans for a new diplomatic service, despite France's No vote in its European Constitution referendum, 29 may 2005. He said: 'Even if the Constitution was rejected in France, I think that it is suitable to keep on working on the establishment of an European External Action Service (EEAS). This service will definitely come into existence sooner or later. The more we work on a thorough preparation, the better and more successful it will be when it comes into action. It is not important when this will exactly happen - it is crucial that we get mentally and practically used to the fact that the EEAS will become a reality. I am working with Commission President Barroso on this issue and we will present a report on it to the European Council in June'.

Council of the European Union: Press Release, Summary of the remarks to the press by EU HR Javier Solana on the results of the referendum in France, Brussels, 30 May 2005 http://consilium.europa.eu/ueDocs/cms_Data/docs/pressData/en/declarations/84999.pdf

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