After a week of change in Europe, it was no surprise what was on the minds of many of my contacts in the US this week. Both in Boston and in Washington I was quizzed about the new French President, Greek efforts to form a coalition, and most importantly – how all this was going to affect the Eurozone crisis. It should not come as a shock that Americans are … Read more »Europe – The view from across the Atlantic
EU Treaty Change Bill announced
Yesterday Lord Howell introduced the European Union (Approval of Treaty Amendment Decision) Bill to Parliament, as outlined in Her Majesty’s Speech earlier this week. The purpose of the Bill is very straightforward. It simply provides for Parliamentary approval of a Treaty change which makes explicit the ability of eurozone countries to set up a European Stability Mechanism or ESM so that they support fellow eurozone members in financial trouble. Although … Read more »EU Treaty Change Bill announced
What has been the effect of EU sanctions on Burma?
On Monday EU Foreign Ministers decided to suspend all EU sanctions against Burma, apart from the arms embargo. This extraordinary decision is very welcome. The British Government has worked tirelessly to build a solid and coherent EU foreign policy towards Burma. We believe that when a nation, like Burma, reacts to international pressure and begins to reform, then it is only right that sanctions against the country should be reviewed. … Read more »What has been the effect of EU sanctions on Burma?
Turkey and the UK – prosperity, security and stability
Last Wednesday, the Foreign Affairs Select Committee published its report into UK-Turkey relations and Turkey’s regional role. Select Committee reports are very important for the Government and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, as they provide external scrutiny by parliamentarians that allows us to identify whether or not our policy is working and highlight opportunities for the future. It is good to see that the report endorses the Government’s firm support … Read more »Turkey and the UK – prosperity, security and stability
In Europe sticking to the rules matters
I was struck by the European Court of Justice’s (ECJ) recent report that highlights how well Member States implement EU legislation that they have signed up to. I was pleased to see how the UK fares. From time to time the ECJ faces criticism in the UK that it looks to interpret EU competence too widely. But it does take its role seriously in ensuring that Member States fulfil their … Read more »In Europe sticking to the rules matters
More British nationals in the EU civil service can transform our influence
The UK represents 12% of the EU’s population yet it currently only makes up 4.8% of the EU’s Civil Service workforce. In 2011 British applicants accounted for only 2.6% of all applicants, lower than any other EU Member State. I believe that a shortage of British staff undermines our influence in the EU. The EU affects each and every one of us. If we want the EU to serve our … Read more »More British nationals in the EU civil service can transform our influence
Estonia and Latvia: steadfast allies
I recently made my first visit to Estonia and Latvia as Europe Minister. During the visits I was pleased to meet the Foreign Ministers of both countries and discuss a wide range of bilateral issues and international interests, on many of which we share similar views. In Estonia I met Members of Parliament, opinion formers and local business leaders. I visited the Estonian Eastern Partnership Centre and gave support to … Read more »Estonia and Latvia: steadfast allies
Serbia – from war to EU candidate in 20 years
On Friday, European leaders agreed to Serbia being a candidate for future EU membership. The significance of this achievement, and the difficult steps Serbia had to take to get here, should not be overlooked. Serbia has come a long way in the last 20 years. Her EU aspirations have meant coming to terms with the role she played during the Yugoslav war – the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War … Read more »Serbia – from war to EU candidate in 20 years
Unleashing growth and jobs in Europe
I gave a speech yesterday in Brussels at a summit on unleashing growth and jobs which was organised by the Lisbon Council, a think tank. There is no doubt that Europe faces a major crisis. The current difficulties in the Eurozone are having a chilling effect on all our economies. However, I would argue that rumbling beneath the surface of this crisis is a bigger and more important challenge to … Read more »Unleashing growth and jobs in Europe
How the EU is encouraging Arab League efforts to resolve the crisis in Syria
The situation in Syria continues to shock and appal all those who see the images on our televisions or hear and read the testimonies of those affected by the Assad regime’s brutal repression of the Syrian people. Over 6,000 people people have died in the 11 months since the uprising in Syria began and it is clear that sustained and united international pressure is needed to resolve the crisis. Last … Read more »How the EU is encouraging Arab League efforts to resolve the crisis in Syria