European Union member states are increasingly frustrated with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s unilateral approach in foreign policy, according to a report by Politico. The recent criticism follows her announcement of a partnership agreement with Jordan, which was signed last week after talks between von der Leyen and King Abdullah II.
The agreement aims to support Jordan in coping with the socio-economic impacts of the Syrian crisis and to expand investment and trade opportunities in the Arab country. The deal is complemented by financial aid of three billion euros, covering grants, investments and macro-financial assistance.
Politico cited two sources saying that von der Leyen made the decision to provide the funds to Jordan without consulting the EU member states. A EU diplomat, who wished to remain anonymous, criticized the move, stating, “We were presented with a fait accompli, while we’re the ones who have to pay the bill.”
The diplomat added that von der Leyen’s unilateral decisions are not a new phenomenon and that the EU member states are increasingly fed up with her approach. The report did not specify the other instances of von der Leyen not consulting the EU member states.
The criticism of von der Leyen’s approach is not limited to this case, as some EU lawmakers and diplomats have expressed concerns over her centralizing tendencies in foreign policy, which they argue goes against the founding treaties of the EU.