Key facts
- Josep Borrell is the former EU foreign policy chief.
- Borrell criticized the European Commission.
- He accused the Commission of overstepping treaty powers in diplomacy and defense.
- Borrell stated the Commission's actions create confusion and a 'mess' in EU global representation.
- He believes the Commission's actions blur lines with the European External Action Service.
- He believes the Commission's actions blur lines with national capitals.
Josep Borrell, the former chief of the EU's foreign policy arm, has voiced strong criticism against the European Commission, accusing it of overstepping its treaty-defined powers in the realms of diplomacy and defense. Borrell contends that the Commission's recent actions have led to significant confusion and a general "mess" regarding the European Union's representation on the global stage. He specifically pointed out that the Commission's initiatives blur the established lines of authority and coordination between itself, the European External Action Service (EEAS), and the foreign policy apparatus of individual member states.
According to Borrell, this encroachment by the Commission into areas traditionally managed by member states or the EEAS undermines the EU's capacity for a coherent and unified foreign policy. The lack of clear delineation in responsibilities, he argues, can lead to conflicting signals being sent to international partners and can weaken the EU's overall diplomatic and defense posture. The former chief's remarks highlight a growing tension within the EU's institutional framework concerning the division of powers in external relations.