Spaniard Josep Borrell, if approved by the European Parliament, will take up the post of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, as well as Vice-President of the European Commission, becoming the main diplomat for 500 million Europeans.
Borrell earned several degrees in aeronautical engineering, mathematics and a PhD in economics before becoming a professor in Spain and eventually entering politics in 1975 with the Socialist Party as the country transitioned to democracy after the death of dictator Francisco Franco.
Spain's foreign minister since 2018, the 72-year-old has held some of the best positions in Spain and Europe, spanning four decades of career. He joined the government in 1982, successively serving as Secretary of Budget, Treasury and Minister of Public Works under Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez until socialist rule ended in 1996.
An avowed European federalist, Borrell participated in the drafting of the European Constitution before becoming a member of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2009 and President of the European Parliament from 2004 to 2007, during which he presided over EU enlargement in Eastern Europe. After leaving the European Parliament, he served for two years at the head of the Institute of the European University.
"I have devoted a significant part of my life, my work and my political activities to European issues, which have always been central to my interests and obligations," Borell wrote in his summary, which he was supposed to provide to the European Parliament before the confirmation hearing on October 7.
Turning Europe into a diplomatic heavyweight
The EU has set the task of developing a more effective and reliable foreign policy apparatus as a priority in a multipolar world dominated by the United States and the EU on the one hand, and China and Russia on the other.
In her message to Borrell, the President-elect of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, instructed him to make the EU "more strategic, more persistent and more cohesive in its approach to foreign relations. You should strive to strengthen the Union's capacity to act autonomously and promote your values and interests around the world."
This will be a difficult task, as EU member states often jealously guard their sovereignty and conduct of foreign affairs, and other European commissioners stake out competing positions. There are also differences between Germany and France, as well as between the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and the rest of the bloc.
"Borell is a tough and demanding negotiator who is always open to challenging the status quo," a Spanish diplomat who requested anonymity told DW. "He also has tremendous performance and determination, driven by a strong sense of purpose."
Jose Torreblanca, head of the Madrid office of the European Council on Foreign Relations, said Borrell's first task would be to make the position of head of foreign policy work again and win the appreciation and trust of member states.
"The general feeling is that the head of European foreign policy has been disconnected from the main political files, including Russia, Ukraine, the conflict in Libya, migration, Syria and transatlantic relations. https://newsbazaar.co.in/