Select a language
"The European Union was hoping that its voice would now be heard at UN General Assemblies, but it didn't happen", notes Le Soir. On September 14, the General Assembly rejected a resolution put forth by Belgium on behalf of the EU27 which would have allowed the president of the European Council, Herman Van Rompuy, or the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Catherine Ashton, a more active role. Currently, the EU has only "observer" status, and therefore does not participate in General Assembly debates and votes. "The EU was not (even) asking for a 'real' seat with the right to vote", continues the Belgian daily, but "the adoption of the resolution would have allowed the EU to further (the projects) of the new institutions that have come out of the Treaty of Lisbon". The paper quotes a European diplomat who observed, "Even if there is no particular anti-European sentiment, certain countries are hardly inclined to grant even more privileges to the Europeans, who are already quite well represented".
Was this article useful? If so we are delighted!
It is freely available because we believe that the right to free and independent information is essential for democracy. But this right is not guaranteed forever, and independence comes at a cost. We need your support in order to continue publishing independent, multilingual news for all Europeans.
Discover our subscription offers and their exclusive benefits and become a member of our community now!
