About us
About the European External Action Service
The EEAS works under the political guidance of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (often referred to as HR/VP).
A strong asset of the EEAS is its ability to work closely with the foreign and defence ministries of the member states of the European Union (EU) as well as with the EU institutions such as the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament. It also has a strong working relationship with the United Nations and other international and multilateral Organisations.
On This Page
- The EU international roles
- High Representative / Vice President
- Secretary-General of the EEAS
- EEAS Headquarters
- EU Diplomatic Representations
- Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
- Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
- Foreign policy instruments (FPI)
- EU Special Representatives
- EU Special Envoys
- EEAS Mission Statement
In Focus
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The EU international roles
All over the world, the European External Action Service, in coordination with the European Union institutions, addresses EU foreign policy priorities, including civilian and military planning and crisis response.
The EU works to prevent and resolve conflicts, to support resilient democracies, to promote human rights and sustainable development, to fight climate change, and to contribute to a rules-based global order.
The role of the EEAS is to try and bring coherence and coordination to the European Union's international action.
The Lisbon Treaty sets out clearly what should guide the European Union internationally.
"The Union's action on the international scene shall be guided by the principles which have inspired its own creation, development and enlargement, and which it seeks to advance in the wider world: democracy, the rule of law, the universality and indivisibility of human rights and fundamental freedoms, respect for human dignity, the principles of equality and solidarity, and respect for the principles of the United Nations Charter and international law."
Discover how and when the European External Action was created.
Find out about Consular protection for EU citizens travelling or living abroad.
High Representative / Vice President
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP)
On 1st December 2024, Kaja Kallas has assumed the role of High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP).
The HR/VP role entails making the European Union stronger and its voice heard on the international stage, working closely with the foreign and defence ministries of the member states of the European Union, the EU institutions, and fostering partnerships with the United Nations and other International Organisations.
As the EU’s chief diplomat, the HR/VP steers foreign and security policy on behalf of the European Union and coordinates the EU’s foreign policy tools. She also heads the European Defence Agency.
- Follow the HR/VP on X: @kajakallas
- Follow the HR/VP on Facebook: Kaja Kallas
- Follow the HR/VP on Instagram: kajakallas
- Follow the HR/VP on Bluesky: @kajakallas.bsky.social
More on the role of the HR/VP and previous High Representatives.
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CopyrightEuropean Union, 2024
Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP)
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Stefano Sannino, Secretary-General of the EEAS
Secretary-General of the EEAS
The Secretary-General manages the EEAS under the authority of the High Representative. He is tasked to take all the necessary measures to ensure an efficient functioning of the EEAS, including its administrative and budgetary management.
The Secretary-General provides strategic direction to the work of the EEAS and an effective coordination on foreign policy between the headquarter and the delegations, with the EU institutions, with his Member States counterparts and with third countries, including through political dialogues.
Since 1st January 2021, Stefano Sannino is the Secretary-General of the EEAS.
Follow the Secretary-General on Twitter: @EEAS_SecGen
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The headquarters of the European External Action Service (EEAS), Brussels, Belgium,
EEAS Headquarters
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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 EEAS is headed by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP) Josep Borrell. The daily work at the EEAS headquarters is overseen by the Secretary General, Stefano Sannino, assisted by the Deputy Secretaries-General. The EEAS is divided into both geographical and thematic directorates: Five large departments cover different areas of the world – Asia-Pacific, Africa, Europe and Central Asia, the Greater Middle East and the Americas. Separate departments cover global and multilateral issues which include, for example, human rights, democracy support, migration, development, response to crises and administrative and financial matters. The EEAS also has important Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) planning and crisis response departments. The EU Military Staff is the source of collective military expertise within the EEAS and also advises the High Representative/Vice-President on military and security issues. For more information, see the latest EEAS organigramme. |
EU Diplomatic Representations
Following the Treaty of Lisbon, the EEAS is responsible for the running of EU Delegations and Offices around the world.
The Diplomatic Representations play a vital role in representing the EU and its citizens around the globe and building networks and partnerships. The main role is to represent the EU in the country where they are based and to promote the values and interests of the EU.
They are responsible for all policy areas of the relationship between the EU and the host country – be they political, economic, trade or on human rights and in building relationships with partners in civil society. In addition they analyse and report on political developments in their host country. They also programme development cooperation through projects and grants. A fundamental aspect of a Delegation is its public diplomacy role which consists in increasing the visibility, awareness and understanding of the EU.
Delegations are diplomatic representations and are usually responsible for one country, although some are representatives to several countries. The EU also has diplomatic representations to international organisations like the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation for example.
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Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
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In order to enable the European Union to fully assume its responsibilities for crisis management and act as a global security actor, EU Member States decided to establish permanent political, military and civilian structures. Discover CSDP structures, agencies and instruments Under the Common Security and Defence Policy, the EU takes a leading role in peacekeeping operations, conflict prevention and the strengthening of international security. It is an integral part of the EU's comprehensive approach towards crisis management, drawing on civilian and military assets. The EU’s military and civilian CSDP missions and operations are the EU’s most visible presence abroad. Almost 5,000 women and men help to promote peace and security where needed, providing stability and building resilience in fragile environments. They are the faces of the EU’s security and defence policy. Since the first CSDP missions and operations were launched back in 2003, the EU has undertaken 36 overseas operations, using civilian and military missions and operations in several countries in Europe, Africa and Asia. As of today, there are 17 ongoing CSDP missions and operations, 11 of which are civilian, and 6 military. Discover EU military and civilian missions worldwide Follow the dedicated social media accounts on Security & Defence: @EUSec_Defence & European Union Security and Defence |
Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP)
EU Member states have committed themselves to a Common Foreign Security Policy for the European Union. The Common Foreign and Security Policy of the European Union aims to preserve peace and strengthen international security in accordance with the principles of the United Nations Charter.
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and the Member States implement the CFSP in accordance with EU treaties (Treaty of Lisbon).
Main instruments of the CFSP:
- Civilian and Military Capabilities: The European Security and Defence Policy aims to strengthen the EU's external ability to act through the development of civilian and military capabilities in Conflict Prevention and Crisis Management.
- Sanctions: To influence policies violating international law or human rights, or policies disrespectful of the rule of law or democratic principles, the EU has designed sanctions of a diplomatic or economic nature.
- EU Special Representatives: Several special representatives have been appointed to promote the EU’s policies and interests in specific regions and countries and play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace and to promote stability and the rule of law.
- Non-proliferation and disarmament projects: The EU is also a leading international actor in the fight against illicit accumulation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
- With the European Peace Facility (EPF), the EU is taking on more responsibility as a global security provider
See also: CFSP Annual reports
Foreign policy instruments (FPI)
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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. The Service for Foreign Policy Instruments is reporting directly to the High Representative/Vice-President of the European Commission. FPI works closely with the European External Action Service and with all the Commission's Directorates General to ensure that our work is the most coherent and effective. FPI act as first responder to foreign policy needs and opportunities in the following areas:
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EU Special Representatives
The European Union has Special Representatives in different countries and regions of the world.
The EU Special Representatives (EUSRs) promote the EU's policies and interests in specific regions and countries and play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law.
The EUSRs support the work of the EU High Representative/Vice President (HR/VP), in the regions concerned. They play an important role in the development of a stronger and more effective EU Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and in the Union's efforts to become a more effective, more coherent and more capable actor on the world stage. They provide the EU with an active political presence in key countries and regions.
The first EUSRs were appointed in 1996. Currently, nine EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.
EU Special Envoys
EU Special Envoys are senior experts appointed to deal with a set of specific issues.
Currently, the EEAS has appointed 6 special envoys:
- Special Envoy for Space, Ms Carine Clayes
- Special Envoy for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation, Amb. Marjolijn van Deelen @MJvanDeelenEU
- Special Envoy on Connectivity, Ms Romana Vlahoutin
- Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Mr Tomas Niklasson
- Special Envoy for Arctic Matters, Mrs Clara Ganslandt @ClaraGanslandt
- Special Envoy for Indo-Pacific: Mr. Gabriele Visentin
EEAS Mission Statement
DIPLOMACY
We are the diplomatic service of the EU. Democracy, human rights and the rule of law are at the core
of our action. We support a rules-based international order. We represent the EU and engage with partners
across the world and in international organisations through our global network of EU Delegations. We
contribute to international peace and to the development of European defence through our military and
security structures, including by deploying missions and operations. We provide a high level of awareness,
offering a platform to our member states for the sharing of intelligence analysis.
ENGAGEMENT
We work under the authority of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and
Security Policy. We support him/her in the conduct of the Union’s common foreign, security and defence
policy. We address both longstanding challenges and threats and emerging security issues including conflicts,
hybrid and cyber threats, disinformation and foreign interference. Building and consolidating international
partnerships is at the centre of our engagement.
PROTECTION
We work for and with EU citizens. We promote the interests of a stronger Europe in the world, working
to increase the resilience of our societies. We ensure a crisis response capability to protect European citizens
and support EU Member States in the provision of consular assistance, notably in times of crisis. Through
strategic communication and public diplomacy, we enhance the global projection of the EU.
INCLUSIVITY
We strive to be a dynamic, efficient and inclusive service. Valuing talent and the professional excellence
of our staff, we are committed to building an organisation where gender equality and the respect for diversity
are core values. We work to create a common European diplomatic culture. Results-oriented, we generate
ideas and initiatives that meet the requirements of an evolving diplomacy, and act upon them.
PARTNERSHIP
We cooperate with all EU institutions in a spirit of openness and partnership to ensure the overall
political coordination, effectiveness and coherence of the EU’s external action. We assist the
Presidents of the European Council and of the European Commission in external relations. We work with
the European Parliament and with all other European institutional partners. We cooperate closely with EU
member states to deliver policies with global reach in support of equality, prosperity and sustainability.