Decision-making in EU foreign policy

The 2009 Lisbon Treaty strengthened this policy area by creating

• ·         the post of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy
• ·         the European External Action Service (EEAS) – the EU's diplomatic corps.
• 
  
• (for more information click here)

Decision-making in EU foreign policy

The EU's ultimate decision-making body is the European Council, which comprises heads of state and government from the bloc's 28 countries. It meets 4 times a year to define policy principles and general guidelines.

The High Representative's role is to make EU foreign and security policy more consistent. She chairs the monthly meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council (comprising the EU's 28 Foreign Ministers). She also attends the European Council and reports on foreign affairs issues.

Most foreign and security policy decisions require the agreement of all EU countries.

The role of the External Action Service (EEAS) is to support the High Representative. It acts as the EU's diplomatic service. A network of over 139 Delegations and Offices around the world promotes and protects Europe's values and interests.