The appointment of the director of the European Defense Agency, delayed

The European Defense Agency va stay a few more weeks without a director. High Representative Cathy Ashton, who chairs the agency, failed to secure a unanimous decision from defense ministers. His proposal to appoint the French Claude-France Arnould, comes up against the veto of at least one delegation (the Italian delegation which had a candidate, Carlo Magrassi).

« It's more of a procedural issue. explained several officials. “But not a question of person”. " I asked the question, there was no other candidate” confirms a manager. In fact, what seems to be at issue is the manner - " horsewoman clarifies a diplomat - whose proposal for the appointment of directors was announced by Cathy Ashton, without prior in-depth consultation.

A written procedure should however be relaunched on December 21 (*). That is to say after the expected announcement of the various appointments of department directors to the EU diplomatic service (EEAS). In the meantime, it is one of the deputy directors, the Polish Adam Sowa, who is acting.

Another delicate decision awaited: that on the budget of the European Defense Agency. The British have so won (1). The 2011 budget has been frozen at 2010 levels (instead of a requested increase of 3,9%).

(*) if no Member State breaks the silence procedure for 14 days, the decision is deemed adopted

(1) Will the defense agency budget increase? The British say "No"

(updated December 9, 15:30 p.m.)