The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted changes in financial regulation, staff and budget needed to launch the European External Action Service (EEAS).  

The parliament voted changes to the financial regulation, the staff rules and the 2010 budget needed to launch the EEAS, the new diplomatic service of the European Union (EU).

In budgetary terms, the EEAS will be regarded as an EU institution. It will therefore have its own section in the EU budget and will be put under the control of the European Parliament. To ensure budgetary transparency, the European Commission will inform the parliament and the European Council of expenditure relating to the diplomatic service.

The parliament will also ensure that recruitment respects geographical and gender balances. Measures will be taken to promote gender equality in the recruitment process, which will be achieved on the broadest possible geographical basis from among nationals of member states.

"We want to have a service that is modern, that is gender balanced," said member of parliament Bernhard Rapkay.

Until June 30, 2013, the EEAS will recruit officials from the council's general secretariat, the commission or national diplomatic services. From July 1, 2013, officials from other EU institutions, such as the European Parliament, will also have access to EEAS posts.

"I'm very grateful to the European Parliament," said Catherine Ashton, high representative for foreign affairs and security policy. 

VietNamNet/Xinhuanet