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The mandate of Mr. Arab democratization

(BRUSSELS2, exclusive) Spaniard Bernardino Leon is the first EU special representative appointed to follow the Arab revolutions and democratic developments in the southern Mediterranean. After the change of power in Tunisia and Egypt, the ongoing conflicts in Libya, Syria or Yemen, and the developments in Morocco and Algeria, this implementation became a necessity. And the EU has not reacted on this point with any particular speed. 'B2' was able to take a look at its mandate - not yet officially published. Without being extremely daring, we note the presence of two fundamental roles: strengthening the coherence of European action in the region, and its visibility, as well as promoting its values ​​(democracy, human rights, equality between men and women).

Human rights and democracy, visibility and coherence of European policy

The Special Representative receives, in fact, five missions:

  • the visibility of the EU: "strengthening the general political role of the EU in the countries of the southern Mediterranean" (*), dialogue with governments and international organizations and civil society;
  • follow the process of democratic transformation: promote stabilization and reconciliation, contribute to crisis management and prevention;
  • coordination with the Member States: improving the coherence and coordination of policies and actions of the EU and the Member States;
  • coordination with other partners: in particular international organisations, he will thus have the task of assisting the HR, "in coordination with the Commission" in the work of the Southern Mediterranean task force.
  • human rights: facilitate the implementation of guidelines on human rights, in particular on the use of child soldiers, violence against women (rape and discrimination).

Double reporting line: HR and COPS

The hierarchical line of the special representative illustrates the new Treaty of Lisbon: “ The EUSR is responsible for carrying out his mandate and acts under the authority of the HR ". It is therefore no longer under the aegis of the Political and Security Committee (PSC). But this one" maintains a privileged link with the EUSR and is the latter's main point of contact with the Council ". And it provides strategic and political guidance to the EUSR “, without prejudice to the competences of the HR”. The EUSR must also work in close connection with the European diplomatic service (EEAS).

(*) the "Arabian Peninsula" dimension has been removed from the mandate of the special representative. But a note has been added allowing an extension of the geographical area on a proposal from the High Representative, approved by the Member States, "in line with standard practice".

To see the mandate: B2 docs

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Nicolas Gros Verheyde

Chief editor of the B2 site. Graduated in European law from the University of Paris I Pantheon Sorbonne and listener to the 65th session of the IHEDN (Institut des Hautes Etudes de la Défense Nationale. Journalist since 1989, founded B2 - Bruxelles2 in 2008. EU/NATO correspondent in Brussels for Sud-Ouest (previously West-France and France-Soir).

One thought on “The mandate of Mr. Arab democratization"

  • William Belmont

    Yeah. Don't we have EU ambassadors in the countries concerned? Which of the missions of this Special Representative are they unable to carry out? If so, why? If they don't have the experience, the political authority or the human or financial resources, that's what you have to tackle. Increasingly systematically bypassing the permanent representatives on the spot is costly and inefficient. You have rightly pointed out many times that the EEAS is increasingly resembling a Mexican army. However, it seems that some politicians still think that it does not have enough generals...

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