News Release
John Bruton
No. 128/04
September 8, 2004
FORMER PRIME MINISTER JOHN BRUTON CHOSEN TO HEAD EUROPEAN
COMMISSION DELEGATION TO US IN WASHINGTON, DC
Today, the European Commission
chose former Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland, John Bruton, to be the next
Head of the European Commission’s
Delegation in Washington, DC. This decision reflects the joint wish of the
Commission and Member States
to raise the profile of the European Union in the United States. As is the custom
with such appointments, Members States will be consulted on the choice of Mr.
Bruton and his confirmation is subject to standard diplomatic procedures of accreditation
with the United States. Mr. Bruton is expected to join the Commission in November.
The Commission looks forward to welcoming Mr. Bruton and hopes his appointment
will lead to a further strengthening of EU-US
ties and to deeper mutual understanding in this indispensable partnership.
Mr. Bruton will replace the current Head of Delegation Günter
Burghardt, who will leave after almost five years in the job.
The European Commission’s Delegation
in the US is one of the European Commission’s largest
representations to third countries, with a total staff of 80 people. The Commission
has been present in the US capital for exactly 50
years. Its Delegation was granted formal diplomatic status in 1971 and the
Head of Delegation has enjoyed full ambassadorial status in 1990.
The scope of the Transatlantic relationship has grown enormously in recent years,
and the Delegation’s activities cover all major policy areas including trade,
political, economic, financial, development, agricultural, consumer policy, transport,
energy, environment, science and technology issues, press and media, communications
and public affairs.
For further information go to:
http://eurunion.org/delegati/overview.htm
http://www.eurunion.org/delegati/DCDelHistory.htm
Press Contacts: |
Anthony Gooch
202-862-9523
|
Maeve O'Beirne
202-862-9549
|
