European Union foreign affairs chief Catherine Ashton has found a home for the EU’s new external action service, which will be officially launched Dec. 1.
“After consultations with member states, the European Parliament and the European Commission, the high representative/vice-president Catherine Ashton has decided that the European External Action Service should be housed in the so-called Axa/Triangle building as this proves to be the most cost-efficient and effective solution,” said Darren Ennis, Ashton’s spokesperson, as quoted by EUobserver.
The building is situated near the center of the EU district in Brussels, Belgium. EUobserver says EEAS will rent the place for euro12 million (USD16.5 million) annually. It adds that Ashton aims to fully install the service’s staff in the building by April 2011.
Earlier in the week, Ashton has named her choices for top leadership positions at EEAS. Pierre Vimont will be executive secretary general, and David O’Sullivan will serve as chief operating officer. Awaiting the move to the new building, the two will be holding office near Ashton’s at the European Commission building, the EU Observer notes.
>> Catherine Ashton Names Picks for Top EEAS Jobs
The European Parliament approved the new staff and budget regulations for EEAS Oct. 20, paving the way for the service’s launch in December.
