The diplomatic service quartet divides the work
The 4 heads of the diplomatic service, P. Vimont, D. O'Sullivan, H. Schmid, M. Popowski, defined the distribution of tasks, in a document drawn up at the end of January, which I was able to read.
The consecration of the Chief Operating Officer as number 2 in law
Specialists in the Brussels sphere had already noticed that David O'Sullivan, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) had already gained half a centimeter in the last organization chart of the diplomatic service compared to the Executive Secretary General (SEE) who is Pierre Vimont. Half a centimeter which is not due to the chance of a badly wedged paper on a photocopier... This half-centimeter had moreover been at the heart of a rather difficult debate between foreign ministers in June. This half-centimeter is in this dedicated document. David O'Sullivan is the title replacement for P. Vimont when he is taken elsewhere, whether it is the "representation with third countries" or for "sign notes and letters on his behalf". He is qualified to provide a "policy guidance on the full range of EEAS activities". He will, moreover, in particular monitor relations with the main geographical partners (Asia, Africa, Europe, Central Asia and Russia), such as the preparation of the next multiannual financial framework. Finally, he will be in charge (in connection with Mr. Popowski) general relations with the European Commission.
It should be noted that the COO, like the Executive Secretary General, will be the recipients of all the notes produced by the various departments of the diplomatic service. And that the COO will have the authority to sign all administrative notes relating to budget, finance, human resources or audit (in his absence, they will be signed by the Deputy Director General of Personnel), as well as notes and letters relating to the geographical areas it will cover.
Delimited function for Deputy Secretaries General
Helga Schmid, who has the function of Political Director, will follow more particularly the dossiers submitted for discussion by the Member States within the COPS or Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs. Its function is to "advise" Cathy Ashton on these files. She will replace P. Vimont on these subjects if necessary. She will work closely with Cathy Ashton's COPS representative, Olof Skoog.
Maciej Popowski is responsible for coordinating interinstitutional relations. Regarding relations with the Commission, he does so in "support" of the action led by David O'Sullivan. He will also follow, as we had already announced, questions of defense policy and conflict prevention (in connection with Pierre Vimont) and the subjects of Development and Human Rights. If necessary, contacting the ministers of the Member States concerned in these various fields.
NB: The two Deputy Secretaries General may request the various "Departments" of the diplomatic service to assist them with files.
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This is very amazing. From a “Chief Operating Officer”, we expect him to devote himself to (heavy and complex) operational questions, not to geographical areas (the Managing Directors are there for that), a fortiori when this geographical responsibility covers the whole world. .
Many of the operational issues essential to the functioning of the EEAS are far from being settled, starting, for example, with the circulation and securing of information. David O'Sullivan is a brilliant administrator, that he devotes himself first and foremost to these matters and leaves the geographical relations to those who really and deeply know the area they cover.