THE European Union would have its own diplomatic corps with embassies throughout the world under new plans to strengthen its international image.

The idea is part of the political package France and Germany presented yesterday to the convention, under the chairmanship of Valéry Giscard d’Estaing, the former French President, that is drawing up a constitutional blueprint for the EU.

The bedrock of the service would be European Commission representations already established in about 130 countries. Under the Franco-German plan, their remit would be broadened to represent the whole EU. They would work closely with national diplomats and be answerable to a European Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The new post would replace the EU’s existing schizophrenic approach to foreign policy, whereby external relations are handled jointly by Chris Patten, who is responsible to the Commission, and Javier Solana, who answers to EU governments. The position is intended to combine the political authority that Señor Solana enjoys with the financial and personnel resources under Mr Patten’s control.

Peter Hain, the Government’s representative at the convention, said yesterday that the idea had merits, provided that the holder took instructions from member states. “It is important to ensure Europe speaks with a clear voice on the international stage,” he said. “If George W. Bush wants to phone Europe, he speaks to the President of the Council (of Europe). If Colin Powell wants to, then he dials the new foreign representative.”

Britain also supports the Franco-German idea of EU heads of government electing a powerful, long-term President, and Mr Hain tried to reassure small countries that this would not lead to domination by larger members. Mr Hain suggested that all member states should be treated equally and have a European Commissioner. He proposed maintaining the rotating six-month presidency for informal ministerial meetings, allowing countries to host these on their own soil.

However, yesterday’s meeting revealed the extent of suspicion over the idea of a new European President. Gijs de Vries, the Dutch Government representative, said that it would lead to “confusion, acrimony and stalemate”.

“The future European President would be the most powerful politician in Europe, but would not be elected by the people or accountable to a democratic body,” he said to loud applause. Equally trenchant criticism came from the Belgian and Greek representatives. The Franco-German paper also calls for the election of the Commission President by the European Parliament, wider legislative and budgetary powers for the Parliament and a right for national parliaments to intervene if they believe that the EU has overstepped its powers.

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