EEAS

Geschiedenis

The European External Action Service is a European Union department that was established following the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009. It was formally launched on 1 December 2010 and serves a foreign ministry and diplomatic corps for the EU.The EEAS is under the authority of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, a post also created by the Treaty of Lisbon. The EEAS was formed by merger of the external relations departments of the European Commission and of the Council, which were joined by staff seconded from national diplomatic services of the Member States. Although it supports both the Commission and the Council, the EEAS is independent from them and has its own staff, as well as a separate section in the EU budget.The principal function of the EEAS is to assist the High Representative in the conduct of the Common Foreign and Security Policy and in his/her capacities as President of the Foreign Affairs Council and Vice-President of the European Commission. The EEAS does not propose or implement policy in its own name, but prepares acts to be adopted by the High Representative, the European Commission or the Council. The EEAS is also in charge of EU diplomatic missions and intelligence and crisis management structures .