When JMB (European Commission) meets JHS (NATO), what do they say to each other?

(B2) Do a "extra effort in Afghanistan". Listen "more Russia on European security". Let's Solve"the Turkish-Cypriot question"which poisons relations between our two organisations. Let's consult "on the future of Ukraine and Georgia in our two organisations... Here are some of the subjects - among others - which were discussed during a breakfast between JMB - José-Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission -, and JHS - Jaap de Hoop Scheffer, the Secretary General of NATO, which took place on Monday. At least what I could find out. Because this kind of encounter is often very discreet and nothing really filters...

Afghanistan. . NATO, which is increasing its military presence in Afghanistan, intends that this effort should also be followed by a civilian effort. "The EU, which is doing a lot for the country, should also find the means to do more"explained the Secretary General of NATO. On the Commission side, we recalled all the efforts already undertaken (NB: the EU has already committed for Afghanistan for the period 2007-2010, 610 million euros - including 200 million euros to support the reform and strengthening of the police and the justice system). "commit to financing the preparation of the elections" (in August) we explain. The amount remains undetermined at this time. It would be a question of financing the preparation of the elections, the infrastructures. An electoral assistance or monitoring mission could also be carried out. But this question is still under discussion, "there are security issues..." is the opinion of the Commission.

EU-NATO cooperation. This cooperation"presents successes but also some difficulties" do we assure NATO, with in particular the Cypriot issues (member of the EU but not of
NATO) and Turkey (member of NATO and not of the EU) which block a number of exchanges between the two organisations. The SG of NATO seems to have asked for help from the Commission to do a little
pressure on the Cypriot. And allow to unblock this heavy question.

Ukraine and Georgia. The two countries - ex-Soviet - knock on the doors of the two organizations. So he was"necessary to have an exchange of views, to cross-check our information on the
situation" says a witness. Indeed, there are some common criteria between joining NATO and the EU - even if the two organizations are different: democracy, stability, political pluralism, open economy, respect for human rights. The result seems clear: these two countries do not meet the criteria. But everything must be done to stabilize them, anchor them to Europe, which also implies freeing them from too much Russian influence. Through the neighborhood policy for the EU, through a strengthened partnership for NATO.

European security. José-Manuel Barroso stressed to his interlocutor the need to "do not isolate"Russia, to carefully consider Medvedev's proposal on European security, to see what they can offer, to "do not refuse dialogue".

Last "detail" which is important: José-Manuel Barroso who was present at the NATO summit in Bucharest would also like to be present at the Strasbourg-Kehl summit where the question of Afghanistan will also be discussed. A question of logic of skills... but also of prestige... and of political necessity. JMB, who is running for a second term, does not want to miss the opportunity to meet as equals with the Heads of State and Government in what promises to be a "great European party". He, who was a "bushist" from the start, also wants to make up for it by being alongside Obama.

The only subject that has not been broached is the possible application de Jaap de Hoop Scheffer to the post of High Representative for the EU (which must meet with the consent of the future President of the EU). My interlocutors swore it to me, hand on heart and... smile on their lips!

(NGV)

(Photo: European Commission, JSH and JSB at a previous meeting in 2007).