EU: Diplomatic Service
House of Lords
Written answers and statements, 28 October 2009
Lord Tebbit (Conservative)
To ask Her Majesty's Government what they expect to be the order of precedence on diplomatic occasions involving the European President and heads of state of European Union member states.
Baroness Kinnock of Holyhead (Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office; Labour)
The post of European President does not exist at present and nor would it be created by the Lisbon treaty. The post of President of the European Council, which is currently held by the Head of State or Government of a member state on a six-monthly rotating basis would become a permanent position should the Lisbon treaty be ratified by all member states. The diplomatic precedence of the Presidents of the European Council, Commission and Parliament is below that of Heads of State or Government of member states.