VIVAnews - The reform within the European Union (EU) has not brought any significant changes to its international policies regarding Indonesia. However, the reform, through the implementation of Lisbon Agreement, will make the relationship between the countries more solid and effective.
The statement was delivered by EU Ambassador to Indonesia, Julian Wilson. “The implementation of Lisbon Agreement didn’t bring direct changes to EU’s international policies, including to its relationship with Indonesia. The reform didn’t also interfere with bilateral cooperation between EU member states and Indonesia,” Wilson said in Jakarta on Tuesday, December 1.
To reporters and chief editors of national mass media, Wilson explained about the leadership reform in the EU through the enactment of Lisbon Agreement which came into force on Tuesday, December 1.
“The reform, through the Lisbon Agreement, will enable the EU to work more effectively and consistently in various countries, including in Indonesia. We’ll adopt more solid gestures with our partners throughout the world,” Wilson said.
One of the key reforms in Lisbon Agreement is changing the old EU leadership system—which imposes alternating leadership every six months—with 2.5 year-long European Council President’s term in office in which the President could be re-elected. Belgian Prime Minister, Herbert van Rompuy has been appointed the first European Council President.
Furthermore, the Lisbon Agreement legalizes the establishment of EU High Representative position for International Relations and Security Policies that will vocalize EU’s policies to countries within one medium.
“Therefore, EU high official position for external relations has been filled by one person, no longer two. It is the answer to the question raised by the US Foreign Affairs Minister which is, ‘I wish to stay in touch with European countries but I don’t know who I should contact’,” Wilson said.
“So, with Baroness Ashton being appointed EU high representative for International Relations and Security Policies, he will be carrying out the task which is currently being done by two people, Javier Solana and Ferrero-Waldner. With the new structure, Foreign Affairs Minister Marty Natalegawa, for example, will be dealing with only one EU official for international relations,” he added.
However, the reform will not interfere with bilateral relationships between 27 EU member states and their partners, including Indonesia. “For instance, the representatives of member states will keep operating in Indonesia. Their policies, such as development, education, business and trade cooperation with other countries, will not be affected, “Wilson said.
The current EU reform has not also created changes in policies related to Schengen visa issuance and other consular issues faced by the member states.
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Translated by: Nataya Ermanti
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