BRITAIN’S much-trumpeted presidency of the European Union has come under attack from diplomats, media and think-tanks for failing to address the Continent’s most urgent problems and for sheer logistical incompetence.

Tony Blair, who as president of the EU is responsible for brokering negotiations between the 25 member states, is accused of losing interest in Europe and raising false expectations about what he can achieve.

The French newspaper Le Figaro accused Mr Blair yesterday of leading a British presidency that was invisible and inaudible.

“We do not see or feel the British presidency. It’s very strange,” one official told the paper. The comment reflected irritation in the French Foreign Ministry over Britain’s failure to tackle the sense of drift in the EU after the collapse of the European constitution. Le Figaro said: “The relaunch of political Europe is not on London’s agenda”.

Mr Blair came to the European Parliament in July telling EU leaders they had to reform the Union for the modern era, and to reconnect with their citizens. Britain has organised an informal summit in Hampton Court next month to discuss the future of the EU, but is otherwise seen to have let the subject drift.

Marco Incerti, of the Centre for European Policy Studies, said: “The famous speech by Tony Blair raised expectations, but those that criticised Blair for just saying nice words are being proved right.” In an apparent swipe at the British presidency, José Manuel Barroso, the President of the European Commission, said yesterday: “We’re in this pause for reflection, but there has not been much reflection so far. What European debate has actually been launched?”

Other governments recognise that Britain is not to blame for the events that have put Brussels in the doldrums. Britain, which has strongly defended its record, inherited the presidency in July as the EU entered one of the most turbulent periods in its history, including this week the political stalemate in the EU’s largest member state, Germany.

The biggest complaint is that Britain is not resolving the dispute over the EU’s seven-year budget, including Britain’s own budget rebate.

Signor Incerti said: “What has annoyed people is that (Britain) is perceived as not doing any work on the budget negotiations — that is what is causing bad feelings.”

Senhor Barroso said: “How can you discuss the future of Europe if you can’t agree the budget in the first place? It is very important Mr Blair uses all his energy to find a solution in this period.”

A British official insisted: “The UK is committed to a budget deal in December. We have made it very clear.” Officials point out the successes Britain has had in pushing forward new EU anti-terrorism legislation and smoothing the path to entry talks on Turkey, due to start on October 3. British diplomats yesterday managed to broker a declaration from the 25 member states that Turkey will have to recognise the state of Cyprus before it is admitted to the EU.

Britain’s presidency faced its most acute embarrassment over the logistical chaos surrounding an informal meeting of foreign ministers in Newport, Wales. Sir John Grant, the British Ambassador to the EU, had to publish a formal apology to the international media, declaring that he “wholeheartedly regretted” the problems.

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