France is pushing the EEAS to “reinforce its expertise on global and multilateral issues – non-proliferation, the fight against terrorism, EU action in international forums” because of fears that European diplomats have become marginalised.
Lady Ashton, who has never been elected to public office, has been regularly criticised since taking the EU foreign minister job in November 2009 for a lack of leadership.
In December, the EEAS was accused of basic failings and dysfunction in a letter signed by foreign ministers from 12 countries, including Germany and France.
Anger over her poor performance has been compounded by soaring funding demands, described as ludicrous” by Britain, which have broken her promise to set up a “budget neutral” European diplomatic service.
A spokesman for Lady Ashton said that she was “in the middle of building” the EEAS and that the improvements suggested by Mr Juppe were under discussion.
“It is a very constructive contribution to the debate,” she said.
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