Union Minister for Foreign Affairs
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The European Union Minister of Foreign Affairs is a new EU political post envisaged under the proposed EU Constitutional treaty. Javier Solana has been designated to be the first holder of this office.
The post will combine two offices existing already:
- The High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, introduced by the Treaty of Amsterdam, who, together with the national Foreign Minister holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union, represents the council of Foreign Ministers of the Union (currently held by Solana.
- The Commissioner for Foreign Relations, who is responsible for the representation of the European Commission in foreign policy affairs. This office is currently held by Benita Ferrero-Waldner.
The Foreign Minister will at the same time be:
- Vice President of the European Commission funds and the personnel on the Commission available.
- Chair of the Council of Ministers in its Foreign Affairs configuration.
Under the current draft of the European Constitution, the Union Minister of Foreign Affairs will only be able to represent the Union in matters where there is already consensus amongst all member states.
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