The proposal to combine, or double-hat, the position of high representative with that of external relations commissioner offers the prospect of greatly enhancing the Union's contribution on the world stage. I welcome this idea on the grounds that the proposed Union minister for foreign affairs will bring greater coherence and visibility to its external relations. I have pointed out that there should be distinct and separate lines of accountability to the Council for the common foreign and security policy and to the Commission for the non-foreign and security policy matters.