About us
Formally launched on 1 January 2011, the European External Action Service (EEAS) was created by the Treaty of Lisbon which was signed in 2007 and entered into force in late 2009.
19.08.2021 Strategic Communications
The European External Action Service was established bydecision of the Council of Ministerson 26 July 2010 based on aproposalby the former High Representative Catherine Ashton. The European Parliament had earlier adopted a resolution on the proposal by a large majority on 8 July 2010. The EEAS was formally launched on 1 January 2011.
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- 10 years of the European External Action Service
- Working with other EU institutions
- Key dates
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10 years of the European External Action Service
The LisbonTreaty laid out the way the Service would be created:
"The organisation and functioning of the European External Action Service shall be established by a decision of the Council. The Council shall act on a proposal from the High Representative after consulting the European Parliament and after obtaining the consent of the Commission."
In 2010 some important steps were taken. On 25 March theHigh Representative sent the Council a proposal on the establishment of the EEAS. The proposal, which followed long negotiations and discussions with the various services concerned, included detailed descriptions of how the EEAS would be composed, how its staff would be chosen and treated, and howthe member states and other European institutions would be involved. The importance of the EEAS was also clear:
"It will help strengthen the European Union on the global stage, give it more profile, and enable it to project its interests and values more efficiently."
On 8 July 2010 theEuropean Parliament passed a resolution approving this proposalwhilst adding in their own comments concerning the appointing of staff, financing of foreign delegations and resolving potential disputes.
On 26 July 2010 theCouncil of the European Union adopted a decision that confirmed the proposalof the High Representative, with the European Parliament's amendments. The decision was effective immediately. The EEAS was officially launched on 1 January 2011.
EEAS 10th anniversary campaign page
Working with other EU institutions
The European External Action Service works closely with other EU institutions and bodies who play a role in developing EU foreign policy
The main partners of the EEAS are the European Council, where the heads of State and Governments of all EU member states meet, the European Commission which is the EU executive and the European Parliament which is directly elected by EU citizens.
The EU's foreign policies are steered by the European Council and defined by the Foreign Affairs Council, which brings together the Foreign Ministers of the EU member states once a month in Brussels. The Foreign Affairs Council is responsible for the EU's external action, which includes foreign policy, defence and security, trade, development cooperation and humanitarian aid.
The HR/VP chairs these meetings. Once policies are determined by the Council, the EEAS, where appropriate, is mandated to implement and follow up on these.
The EEAS cooperates with the European Commission on many issues – adopting a comprehensive approach for the EU's foreign policy. The whole College of European Commissioners meets once a week and in addition every month the HR/VP chairs a meeting of all Commissioners whose portfolios deal with international issues – like trade and development for example.
The EU maintains diplomatic relations with nearly all countries in the world and undertakes a range of actions with strategic partners, key international players, and emerging and developing powers. Working alongside the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission’s service forForeign Policy Instruments (FPI)is responsible for operational expenditures in the crucial area of EU external action.
Finally, the EEAS also works with the European Parliament. The HR/VP regularly reports on foreign policy and hisactivities to the Members of the European Parliament and answers their questions. The EEAS assists the HR/VP with this task. The European Parliament provides a platform for exchange on foreign policy among institutional and governmental policy-makers, as well as civil society, including think tanks and academics. Along with the Council of the European Union, the European Parliament must approve the annual common foreign and security budget.
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© European Union, 2021
Key dates
Key dates
A decade of EU diplomacy
The European External Action Service turns 10
Josep Borrell
Josep Borrell starts his mandate asHigh Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security PolicyandVice-President of the European Commission
Until 30 November 2019
Federica Mogherini
Federica Mogherini is appointedHigh Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security PolicyandVice-President of the European Commission
European External Action Service opens
A major step in the European integration process and in developing a common foreign policy
Until 31 October 2014
Catherine Ashton
Lady Catherine Ashton becomes the first High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, servingas the EU's foreign policy chief.
Entry into force: 1 December 2009
Treaty of Lisbon
The Treaty of Lisbon creates the External Action Service and the post of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice President of the European Commission
until 1 December 2009
Javier Solana
Javier Solana is appointed High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, Secretary General of the Council of the European Union.His role consists in representing the EU abroad where there is an agreed common policy
Entry into force: 1 May 1999
Treaty of Amsterdam
The Treaty of Amsterdam establishes the Office of High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Entry into force: 1 November 1993
Treaty of Maastricht
The Treaty of Maastricht establishes the Common Foreign and Security Policy
Davignon Report
The Member States approve the Davignon report on political cooperation. The objective is to get Europe to speak with a single voice on all major international problems.
Entry into force: 1 January 1958
Treaty of Rome
First coordination meetings of European Economic Community foreign ministers