An official website of the European Union. See all European Institutions
European Union External Action
The EEAS is the European Union's diplomatic service. It helps the EU's foreign affairs chief – the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – carry out the Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy.
Visit also the website of High Representative Federica Mogherini
The European External Action Service (EEAS) is the European Union's diplomatic service. Its role is to make sure the voice of the European Union and its people are heard in the world.
Since 2014, Italy's Federica Mogherini has been the EU's High Representative/Vice President. As the EU's chief diplomat she is charged with shaping and carrying out the EU's foreign, security and defence policies.
EU Member states have committed themselves to a Common Foreign Security Policy for the European Union.
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 service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI) is responsible for operational expenditures in the crucial area of EU external action.
Based in Brussels, but relying on an extensive network of EU diplomatic presence worldwide, the EEAS brings together European civil servants, diplomats from the foreign services of the EU member states and local staff in countries around the world.
The European Union has Special Representatives in different countries and regions of the world.
The European Union plays important roles in diplomacy, the promotion of human rights, trade, development and humanitarian aid and working with multilateral organisations.
The European External Action Service works closely with other EU institutions and bodies who play a role in developing EU foreign policy.
Formally launched on 1 January 2011, the Service was created by the Treaty of Lisbon which was signed in 2007 and entered into force in late 2009, established the European External Action Service.
Author
Contacts
