The Role of the European External Action Service in the EU’s Institutional System

Abstract

European External Action Service (EEAS) is a new institution of the European Union, whose foundation was laid by the Treaty of Lisbon with the role to support the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy in fulfilling his mandate and, also to assist the President of the European Council, European Commission, President and other Commissioners to exercise their powers in international relations. Since the establishment of the European External Action Service (EEAS) is relatively recent, this article tries to highlight the crucial role of the European External Action Service (EEAS) in the European Union's institutional system and its contribution to strengthening the coherence and increasing impact and visibility of European Union action at international level and thus the one of the Member States.

Keywords: European External Action Service, European Union institutions, diplomatic services, external action, Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

JEL Classification: A23, K10