The diplomats wipe the plasters. First visit to “Ashton's camp”

(BRUSSELS2) That's it. It's done or almost done! European diplomats are more or less all installed in their new building, located on the Rond-Point Schuman. A building that still has no code name except that of "Capitals" - for which it was sold. Only the senior managers of the service are left to come and take their places in a sixth floor designed as the high point of this installation. Yes, you will have understood... I was able to make a first foray into this new building, which still looks a bit like a construction site, very symbolic, moreover, of European diplomacy under construction. NB: there is no name yet for this building sold under the name of "The Capitals"... Ahston's camp, what do you think? It's better than "the 242" which is a bit of a nightclub!

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When a diplomat from a foreign country stationed in Brussels arrives at the European diplomatic service... Sorry! "The European external action service" as he proudly exhibits his A4 colored paper taped to the glass door, he is not struck at first sight by the reception. Here in this new SEAE building located at 242 rue de la Loi, there is little or no entrance ceremony. We can even say that the protocol is removed in favor of the treatment of the average quidam... Without being for gold and glitter, it is clear that if we are not in bungalows, it lacks a minimum of standing and hospitality.

An obstacle course... His car stopped in double file - there is no parking spot in front of the door - the very dignified ambassador can first drive around a parked car, then lift a ribbon marked "police" which prevents the "access by the sidewalk, to then enter the enclosure of the service, and show your credentials to the security agents, wisely reclusive inside. No static guard outside. Terrorist friends, you can manage to place your package trapped, or better your car in front, without any risk... not even a contredanse!

Control is draconian... (hmm). That is to say that friendliness above all is not there. The quidam - alias ambassador - will sometimes have to repeat his name at least twice to the G4S factotum, indicate who he comes to see, and record his name on the directory itself. No need to hope to come with a delegation of more than 3 or 4 people, there will be no space between the door and the counter of the security guards. As for hoping for an armchair or a chair to wait on... No, it's standing up, at the counter, like at the bistro... minus the coffee and the waitress's (server's) smile! Nevertheless, there is a certain friendliness. Much obliged... We can discuss among guests, exchange strategic views on the world, the Middle East, Africa, Russia... Interesting!

As for then, our ambassador will head upstairs, no need to hope for any reception room, with refreshments, paintings by masters and trinkets brought back from China, Africa or elsewhere... No. Not even a simple map or a simple poster on the walls. Simplicity ! It is an office room, completely anonymous, and ordinary, which welcomes visitors. The nice glazing allows everyone to know who is visiting who... Transparency! Photocopiers or office furniture, if necessary, that we could not fit elsewhere. Nothing on the walls yet. To be continued...