The new owner of the most difficult chair in Europe

(Baonghean) - The most difficult "seat" to sit 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 multiplied for Tim Barrow, who had been given this responsibility just a few days earlier.

Portrait of new British Ambassador to the EU Tim Barrow.

Seasoned and tough

The British Parliament has been going from one surprise to another these past few days. The public has not yet calmed down from the controversial resignation letter of former British Ambassador to the EU Ivan Rogers, when 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 undoubtedly a "deadly blow" to Mrs. Theresa May, because there is not much time left between now and activating Article 50 - the mechanism to separate Britain 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 hold the position of political director in the London diplomatic agency in Brussels, and at the same time sending a message that cannot be ignored by Mrs. May to the critics at home and abroad, that: "The market is still crowded without her", 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, who has just been appointed to the most “thorny and bitter” position in British politics, also received a warm welcome from the opposition Brexit chief Keir Starmer. He said: “It is obvious that there should not be a vacancy in such an important position and the new permanent representative must have an outstanding diplomatic background.”

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

Expert on Russia and the EU

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

Pursuing diplomatic work for 30 years, since graduating from the prestigious Oxford University and starting to work 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 firsthand 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 the two countries, and supported British scientific, commercial and economic interests in Russia,” were the words Tim Barrow was honored to receive.

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, Britain 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 - 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 able to listen, understand and convey 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 seems to have no qualms about praising 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