Ashton's cabinet will no longer have a defense adviser
The cabinet of the High Representative, Cathy Ashton, may soon no longer have an adviser specifically dedicated to "common defence". It was until now the French Alice Guitton who had the responsibility (among others) of this file. But his departure is now certain. And, so far, it is not expected that a replacement will be hired to handle this file.
The predominant idea in the firm is rather to share defense skills between the various advisers, by geographical area, following the principle of the "global approach". Each of the advisers will be in charge of the missions deployed in the area they cover (Africa, Middle East, etc.). And, for the rest, we will call on the skills deployed in the diplomatic service. In fact, no one will cover the issues of common defense in a political way anymore. But Robert Cooper, now "advisor" of Cathy Ashton can be "good advice".
Even if it may seem like good policy for a cabinet to use internal skills, this lack of political coverage is one more sign of the desire to renationalise and NATOise the common defense policy of the European Union.
Up to a certain point, I can appreciate the desire for a “global approach”, insofar as the CSDP must be part of the integrated “policy” of the EU, and not replace it. Except that our practice shows that it is more than difficult to implement – complex decision-making processes between working groups, specific expertise (particularly in CSDP). Paradoxically, I think that wanting “consciously” to implement the global approach hinders its effective implementation. Hopefully the arrival of the EEAS will improve things – but I have my doubts…