Acting Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell nominated for EU external affairs brief

SPAIN’S acting Foreign Minister has been nominated to head up external affairs for the EU.

Josep Borrell will become the EU’s new High Representative for Foreign Affairs if the European Parliament approves his nomination. He would take up the post in November if successful.

Borrell said he was grateful to the European Council for the nomination.

“The world needs a Europe that is more present. Foreign policy reflects each country’s vision of the world. The task is to approach these visions and act on joint goals,” Borrell told Spanish media.

Acting Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said: “Borrell’s international political career and his Europeanist spirit are a total guarantee that he will give maximum commitment and responsibility as head of EU diplomacy.

“This is great news for our country and for Europe.”

Gracias por la confianza, Presidente. Muchas gracias también al Consejo Europeo por proponerme. Ahora son los eurodiputados del Parlamento Europeo quienes tienen que confirmarme. https://t.co/IOHIzVBgVi

— Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) July 3, 2019

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Borrell’s appointment comes after he previously served as a Member of the European Parliament (MEP) for Spain between 2004 and 2007. He also headed his left-leaning Partido Socialista’s (PSOE) list for European elections in May this year.