The new owner of the most difficult chair in Europe

(Baonghean) - The most difficult "seat" on the British political stage today is probably the position of Ambassador to the European Union, in the context that the head of the British Government has committed to activating negotiations with Brussels by the end of March.

The difficulties were compounded for Tim Barrow, who had been given the responsibility just a few days earlier.

Portrait of new British Ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow.

Tough and tough

British MPs have had a few days of surprises. Before the public could calm down from the controversial resignation letter of former British Ambassador to the EU Ivan Rogers, it was again heated up by Prime Minister Theresa May’s hasty decision to appoint Tim Barrow to the vacant position.

IBT news site judged that Mr. Rogers' resignation was without a doubt a "dangerous blow" to Mrs. Theresa May, because there is not much time left between now and activating Article 50 - the mechanism to separate the UK from the EU - and starting negotiations with Brussels.

But to think that Mrs. May will be "unable to react" is to underestimate the rising "Iron Lady" of the foggy country, as evidenced by the fact that the Conservative Prime Minister quickly appointed another professional diplomat - Mr. Tim Barrow.

Choosing a person who used to be the political director of the London diplomatic agency in Brussels, and at the same time sending a message that cannot be ignored by Mrs. May to critics at home and abroad, that: "The market is still crowded without you", Rogers is not an irreplaceable person!

And as if to rationally and reasonably explain his choice, in the released statement, No. 10, Downing Street affirmed: “As a seasoned and tough negotiator, with a wealth of experience in securing the UK's objectives in Brussels, Mr. Tim Barrow will apply his characteristic energy and creativity to the job - together with senior officials and other ministers to bring success to Brexit”.

The 52-year-old veteran diplomat’s appointment to the most arduous position in British politics has also been welcomed by opposition Brexit chief Keir Starmer, who said: “There should be no vacancy in such an important post and the new permanent representative should have a distinguished diplomatic background.”

Mr Barrow, as British Ambassador to Moscow in 2011, meets with Dmitry Medvedev at the Kremlin. AP photo.

Expert on Russia and EU

Looking at Barrow's long career, combined with the context of contemporary Britain, we can perhaps understand why he became a reasonable choice to face the emerging storms.

Pursuing diplomatic work for 30 years, since graduating from the prestigious Oxford University and starting working at the British Foreign Office in 1986, he has held many important positions, accumulated a lot of experience and built many good relationships inside and outside the UK.

During the period 1990 - 1993, he worked for the British Embassy in Moscow, witnessing the disintegration of the Soviet Union and the rise of Boris Yeltsin - the first President of the Russian Federation.

Having served as British Ambassador to Russia, British Ambassador to Ukraine and two terms in the British representative office to the EU, perhaps few politicians in London have such a thorough understanding of Moscow and Brussels as he does.

He was also knighted in 2015, commended for his leadership in “managing the complex and important relationship between the UK and Russia during an unprecedented period”. “He tirelessly promoted British interests, including human rights, strengthened cultural and educational ties between our two countries, and supported British scientific, commercial and economic interests in Russia” were the words Tim Barrow was honored with.

Analysts say that in the current situation, especially after the tensions in Russia-Ukraine relations and accusations of Russia interfering with the email system of the US Democratic National Committee before last year's presidential election, the UK needs a diplomat who understands the Kremlin "to the core" like Mr. Tim Barrow.

In addition, a deep understanding of Europe also helps Barrow gain an advantage in building relations with the Visegrad countries - four Central European countries that are considered allies of the UK in Brexit negotiations.

Commenting on the new British Ambassador to the EU, Mr Douglas Alexander - a former Labour Secretary who worked with Mr Barrow when negotiating the Lisbon Treaty in 2005 - said: "He is not only a skilled professional diplomat, but also someone who is really capable of listening, understanding and communicating exactly what other European countries want to express. After all, that is what ministers in London want. He is definitely someone who can get along with politicians without having to use political tricks."

As for the current British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, he seemed to spare no compliments for his colleague when he commented: "He is the one who will get the best deal for the UK and lead the British delegation to the EU with the skills and leadership he has shown throughout his career."

Thu Giang