Paris, 2 December 2009 – With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December, Spain sees its Presidency of the European Union/WEU between January and July as “historic and challenging”.

Addressing the European Security and Defence Assembly (ESDA) on Wednesday on behalf of Mr Miguel Angel Moratinos, Spanish Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr Carlos Fernández Arias Minuesa, Permanent Representative of Spain to the WEU Council/EU Political and Security Committee, felt that implementing the reforms introduced by the Lisbon Treaty would make for a very busy six months. He highlighted three main priorities: firstly, the “citizens’ initiative” whereby “one million citizens of a significant number of Member States” may propose the introduction of legislation. According to Mr Arias, the public consultation planned by Brussels could be finalised “in a few weeks” and the initiative implemented before the end of the Spanish Presidency.

The second priority is the EU’s accession to the European Convention on Human Rights, to be negotiated with the Council of Europe on the basis of a “unanimous mandate” from the 27, a “unanimity that raises technical and political difficulties”.

Lastly, Spain’s third priority is setting up the European External Action Service (EEAS), under the authority of the High Representative (and Vice-President of the Commission), which, in Spain’s view, should be made operational as soon as possible and have “its own budget” and staff capable of rising to the challenges ahead. “The deadline of next April set by the European Commission on the basis of a unanimous agreement is an excellent sign, but much remains to be done”, said Mr Arias.

Mr Arias recalled that in the course of its Presidency Spain would organise no less than nine summits focusing primarily on “Euro-American and Euro-Mediterranean relations”.

During the ensuing debate, Mr John Greenway (United Kingdom, Federated Group) asked Mr Arias about the future of the ESDA in the framework of the Lisbon Treaty. “Spain alone cannot give a clear-cut response. In the eyes of my government, the ESDA is the only assembly made up of national representatives devoted to the future of security. It does tremendous work and brings real added value”, including “vis-à-vis public opinion”, he replied. “Its future depends on the governments of the member states. There will be differences of opinion, but as usual we will reach a consensus”, he added.