FT: Germany, France push for reform of EU diplomatic service

Germany and France are seeking a major overhaul of the European External Action Service (EEAS), arguing that the EU's diplomatic arm has failed to respond effectively to key foreign policy challenges, including Iran and Ukraine, the Financial Times reports.

It said several EU member states believe the EEAS has struggled to deal with US President Donald Trump's unpredictability, respond adequately to economic pressure and tariffs, and address energy security challenges.

Some member states are privately discussing sweeping reforms of the bloc's diplomatic service.

Berlin and Paris have previously issued a joint statement urging EU leaders to use the October summit to address the issue and present reform proposals by the end of the year.

According to FT sources, the proposed changes could include transferring some of the EEAS's responsibilities to the European Commission.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov