To develop the CFSP, go slowly, have leadership, political vision (Bitterlich) (Maj)

(BRUSSELS2) Joachim Bitterlich was invited by the EPC to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Maastricht Treaty in good company (Jacques Delors, Philippe Maystadt, Antonio Vitorino). In terms of European foreign policy, he has, as they say, "a little" experience. Adviser to Minister of Foreign Affairs Hans-Dietrich Genscher (1985-87), then to Helmut Kohl (1987-1998) on European issues and then on all foreign policy and external security, he prepared three times for the presidency of the EU by Germany. Then, he was then ambassador to NATO (1998-1999), at the time of the strikes on Kosovo.

We lack leadership

The message he delivers, imbued with realism, is worth listening to, even if we cannot share all of its contours. Even if it is harsh, it contrasts with a certain Euro-pessimism which today seems to gnaw at everyone. For him, Europe can do better, be stronger abroad... But we have to be patient. " I advise everyone to take detours to arrive at the end at the goal, to apply the method of Union, to apply differentiation. And, in the end, it will develop, according to what I call a 'renewed community method' (...) But above all what you need is 'leadership'.

A European caucus

After the conference, we discussed this position, particularly on defense policy. " I can't talk about it, it would take me a whole day to tell you about it." he interrupts me. But, passionate about the subject, we continue to chat. He has just returned from Munich, to the security and defense conference. " I was amazed at the Ministers' loss of vision. Everyone thought only of their means, their budget reductions. Everyone had only these words in mind”. To refuse the European approach, in particular the "pooling" and "sharing" projects carried out within the European Defense Agency, “some countries invoke duplication with NATO (and its Smart Defense project), and the additional cost that this entails. which is nonsense. On the contrary, the necessary means and powers must be given to the European Defense Agency ". We must also go further, wondering about the future of the relationship between the two organizations NATO and the EU, as between Europe and the United States. " Now is the time to have initiatives, to have a European caucus. The Americans will not be able to oppose it. »

The SEAE, the cart before the horse

Regarding the European diplomatic service (EEAS), he has a clear opinion. For him, " we put the cart before the horse ". Because we cannot do without the Member States. As an old-timer in Europe, J. Bitterlich has his own analysis of the international situation, quite harsh, but all in all marked by his experience and reality. Europe weighs little compared to the greats of this world, because everyone is divided. And other countries are not fooled. “In China, there is a European delegation led by an excellent ambassador. But no state has withdrawn its embassy. Everyone continues to negotiate, each on his own. And the Chinese have understood this well. They play with each other, against each other »

Have a political, global vision, rely on the Member States

The whole issue then appears to represent an important decision-making weight in front of an interlocutor. " What does someone from the Commission abroad weigh? » he wonders. Except on issues where they have real competence, power - trade... - they cannot commit, he explains. For J. Bitterlich, what is essential for the EU today is to have: “ a political vision », that is to say global, general, and not by file. But, for that, it is also necessary to rely on the Member States, on their diplomatic power or their various sensitivities. “For example, on Russia why not ask Angela Merkel, commission her on behalf of Europe, to negotiate with the Russians. Not only does she speak Russian but above all she has this necessary sensitivity. »

(Maj) some clarifications have been made, particularly on the "Caucus" chapter.