Offices of the Commission of the European Communities

This executive order extends diplomatic-style privileges and immunities to the European Communities' (predecessor to the European Union) observer mission to the UN in New York, its West Coast Office in San Francisco, and administrative/technical staff in Washington. It treats these offices similarly to consular or diplomatic missions under international conventions.

53 FR 35287

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Key directives

Extend UN permanent observer mission privileges to EC Delegation's Permanent Observer Mission to the UN
Extend consular-equivalent privileges to EC West Coast Office in San Francisco and its officers/employees
Define official functions of West Coast Office: protect EC interests, further commercial/economic/cultural/scientific relations, and report on U.S. conditions
Extend diplomatic staff-level privileges to administrative/technical and service staff of Washington delegation
Require Secretary of State notification and acceptance for Washington and San Francisco staff
Preserve existing or future privileges acquired through international agreements or Congressional action

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

Privileges and immunities take effect upon signing for duly notified personnel

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

Ongoing framework for EC-U.S. diplomatic relations until superseded

Risks & tensions

No explicit reciprocity requirement stated; potential asymmetry in diplomatic treatment
Vague phrase 'substantively equivalent' leaves room for interpretation of consular privilege scope
West Coast Office functions (b) and (c) overlap with trade representation and intelligence-gathering, potentially sensitive
Savings clause preserves broader Congressional authority, creating potential future conflict if legislation diverges