Former EU special adviser on foreign affairs to give evidence to Lords committee

The Committee is holding its first evidence session as part of its inquiry into the strategic review of the EU's foreign and security policy.

Sir Robert Cooper, a former UK diplomat with special expertise in EU foreign affairs, will be asked about his experience in drafting the 2003 European Security Strategy, as well as lessons learned in translating this into action, and about regional and global priorities for the EU.

Also answering questions from the Committee on Thursday are Karen Smith from the London School of Economics and Henry Wilkinson from the Risk Advisory Group.

The Committee will also ask the witnesses questions on other areas, which may include:

• What would you see as the EU's key objectives for its external affairs strategy?
• In your view what should the UK Government's priorities be for an EU strategy?
• Could the UK's imminent Strategic Defence and Security Review potentially be at odds with the EU strategy?
• Do you see any reluctance by Member States to engage in a strategic debate on foreign policy?
• Which Member States might have reservations? Which are pushing for this?
• What needs to be done about the insecurity within the eastern neighbourhood?
• How strong is the EU, collectively, in the field of intelligence and diplomacy?

The evidence session will take place at 10.05am, on Thursday 10 September, in Committee Room 1 of the House of Lords.

The session will be webcast at www.parliamentlive.tv and is also open to the public. Journalists wishing to attend should go to Parliament's Cromwell Green Entrance and should allow time for security screening.