European External Action Service (EEAS)

In carrying out her duties, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR) is assisted by the European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic service. The EEAS supports the HR in fulfilling her mandate of conducting the EU's common foreign and security policy (CFSP), in her capacity as President of the Foreign Affairs Council, and in her capacity as Vice-President of the Commission for fulfilling, within the Commission, the responsibilities incumbent on it in external relations. The EEAS also provides support to the President of the European Council, the President of the Council and to members of the Commission in the exercise of their respective functions in the area of external relations.

The EEAS comprises officials and other agents from the EU, including personnel from EU countries' diplomatic services.

EU delegations and crisis management structures within the General Secretariat of the Council, such as the Crisis Management and Planning Directorate (CMPD), the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability (CPCC) and the European Union Military Staff (EUMS), also form part of the European External Action Service.

SEE ALSO

• Common foreign and security policy
• Common security and defence policy
• High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
• Political and Security Committee (PSC)
• European Union External Action Service website