Documents considered by the Committee on 6 November 2013 - European Scrutiny Committee Contents



Annex: proposed medium term changes

    "ORGANISATION

    "1. Overhaul management and procedures for CSDP operations (streamline planning functions for civilian and military missions; reduce intermediate steps in consultation of Council working groups; simplified procurement and financial procedures). The December European Council debate on security and defence could also cover structural issues (e.g. integration of CSDP structures within the EEAS, reporting lines, mission support);

    "2. Create a shared services centre to provide logistical, procurement and administrative support for all CSDP missions and EUSRs.

    "3. Clarify system of political deput(ies) for the High Representative (either within EEAS structures or through clearer responsibility for HRVP over other Commissioners). Conclude formal arrangements for existing practice where Foreign Ministers, members of the Commission and senior EEAS officials can deputise for the HRVP (including having formal representation rights in EP, Council and Commission meetings);

    "4. In future allocation of Commission portfolios, strengthen HRVP position in Commission decision-making on external assistance programmes, to ensure optimal coherence with EU foreign policy priorities and clarify the HR/VP's lead responsibility for relations with Western Balkans and ENP countries.

    "5. Streamline EEAS top management structure in particular the composition of the Corporate Board and the division of labour between Managing Directors and Directors. Merge posts of Executive Secretary General and Chief Operating Officer into a single post of Secretary General reduce number of Managing Directors.

    "FUNCTIONING

    "6. As part of the forthcoming institutional transition, revise the HRVP declaration on political accountability (e.g. to address who can represent HRVP in EP debates; intensify EP input to upstream policy planning; access to classified information, including political reporting from EU delegations; support for EP visits in third countries);

    "7. Modify Financial Regulation to address problems of dual financial circuits in delegations

    "8. Review roles of Commission Accountant and Internal Audit Service in relation to financial management of EEAS

    "9. Address residual competence issues to ensure that EEAS and EU delegations are the single channel for EU external relations issues, including in areas of mixed competence and in multilateral fora including the UN system, OSCE etc."


 
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Prepared 27 November 2013