Diplomatic Body of the European Union, Managing Foreign Policy & Diplomatic Relations

The European External Action Service (EEAS) was established on December 1, 2010, following a decision by the Council in July of the same year. This service, based in Brussels, plays a crucial role in shaping the EU's foreign policy.

The EEAS works closely with EU delegations in third countries, representing the EU's positions towards respective governments. This collaboration is instrumental in ensuring a unified and coherent EU stance in international relations.

The High Representative, currently Kaja Kallas, chairs meetings in the Council for Foreign Relations and contributes to the definition of the EU's position. In addition to this role, Kallas also serves as Commissioner for Trade and Vice-President of the Commission, holding multiple key positions within the EU.

The EEAS has approximately 4500 staff members, with one-third coming from the diplomatic services of the Member States. These staff serve as temporary officials in the Service for several years.

The EEAS coordinates the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) with the 27 EU Member States, ensuring a unified approach to foreign affairs. It also leads relevant Council working groups in the CFSP and controls civilian and military EU missions under the Common Security and Defence Policy.

The service works closely with the European Commission to ensure external political aspects are considered in the planning and implementation of Commission programs and projects. Furthermore, the EU's crisis management structures have been integrated into the EEAS, further strengthening its role in crisis response.

The EEAS website is available for public access, providing information about its activities, staff, and initiatives. This transparency is a testament to the service's commitment to openness and accountability.

In summary, the European External Action Service is a vital component of the EU's foreign policy apparatus. Its work in coordinating the EU's external actions, representing the EU in third countries, and collaborating with the European Commission ensures a unified, coherent, and effective EU presence on the global stage.