Miliband warns EU over global role - backs Blair (Roundup)

Oct 26, 2009, 15:06 GMT

London - The European Union (EU) faces a stark choice between becoming a major global player or being left behind in a 'G2 world shaped by the US and China,' Britain's Foreign Secretary David Miliband warned in a keynote speech in London Monday.

In a separate interview with the BBC later, Miliband repeated his firm endorsement of ex-prime minister Tony Blair for the future post of EU president envisaged under the Lisbon Treaty.

Blair's possible candidacy for the top job is viewed as highly controversial in Europe, where Blair's rejection of the euro and his high-profile involvement in the Iraq war are quoted among reasons that would rule him out of the running.

The best candidate would be a former British prime minister who had proved that he was being taken seriously around the world, said Miliband, who has himself been mooted for the high-profile job as a EU's future chief foreign policy representative.

In a statement, Downing Street said Prime Minister Gordon Brown would be 'completely supportive' if the role was created and if Blair wished to be a candidate.

Both Brown and Miliband will be meeting their EU counterparts at a European Council meeting in Brussels later this week where the Presidency issue is likely to be discussed - but not decided.

In his speech to the London-based International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) earlier, Miliband outlined his vision of a 'strong Europe' once the Lisbon Treaty has been ratified by all members.

He said the EU faced a stark choice between becoming a major global player or a 'paper tiger' preoccupied with bureaucracy.

'The choice for Europe is simple - get our act together and make the European Union a leader on the world stage or become spectators in a G2 world shaped by the US and China,' said Miliband.

Europe, which for 60 years had provided a 'successful model' for the world on the economy and democracy, was now facing the challenge of adopting a global role - a challenge no responsible government could 'afford to shirk.'

Twenty years after the fall of the Berlin Wall the choice was between progress and 'building new walls' which would lead to isolation.

Miliband pleaded for a strategic long-term relationship between the EU and China and said relations with Russia over trade and energy supplies had to be put on a 'mature and predictable' footing.

Vis-a-vis the US, Europe had to become a 'more effective partner' in the global drive for improved security and human rights.

Miliband also addressed the issue of the Czech Republic's still outstanding official ratification of the Lisbon Treaty.

'President (Vaclav) Klaus is still making up his mind. But the rest of Europe is aching to address the challenges we face,' said Miliband.

Addressing opposition to the Lisbon Treaty by the Conservatives in Britain, Miliband said Britain had for 'too long lived with the false choice between a strong British foreign policy and a strong European foreign policy.'

For Britain to be 'frightened' of EU foreign policy would be 'blinkered, fatalistic and wrong,' said Miliband, who also gave a strong defence of Britain's view that Turkey should become a full member as soon as possible.

Miliband said he 'profoundly disagreed' with objections held by the French government - and others - on the issue of Turkish membership.

It was not EU policy to 'discriminate' against countries 'on the grounds of religion or race,' said Miliband.

Miliband at the weekend dismissed speculation that he might be interested in the post of EU foreign policy supremo under the Lisbon Treaty. 'I'm not available,' he told BBC television.