Catalan government announces new foreign and EU affairs body to 'strengthen influence' abroad

The Catalan government has approved a draft law to create a new foreign and European Union affairs body in order to "strengthen its influence" abroad. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Meritxell Serret announced the decision at a press conference following the weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday. 

The new body aims to provide a "step forward" in the execution of the Catalan government's powers in the EU and foreign affairs. 

It also aims to help the administration attract talent specialized in international affairs who currently work outside the public sector, as well as retain current talent.

Staff will work in various government departments, which the executive says will allow it "to further internationalize the government's actions and achieve a greater impact on the country and the lives of citizens." 

The next step is for the bill to be processed in Parliament. 

"Added value" 

According to the executive, it will now have the "tools to define the professional requirements that differentiate the staff in charge of implementing" foreign actions, making it possible to take into account the "added value of specialization in this area," which they describe as "very specific" professional profiles. 

By incorporating expert staff in various ministries, "the transversal and cohesive vision of Catalan foreign action" will be reinforced, the government says, ensuring a "greater return" from public policies. 

"Resolute step forward" 

At the press conference to present the proposal, Serret said the initiative is a "resolute step forward" to "better do the job of bringing Catalonia to the world." 

"It must serve to strengthen and project the influence of Catalonia around the world, and for the internationalization of the country," she said. 

In order for the proposal to achieve support in Parliament, Serret has called on parties to "renew" the consensus that allowed the law on foreign action to progress.