High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is a senior official within the European Union responsible for coordinating and representing the bloc's Common Foreign and Security Policy. The position, often referred to as the EU's "foreign minister," was created by the Treaty of Lisbon to provide greater coherence and visibility to the Union's external actions. The officeholder simultaneously serves as a Vice-President of the European Commission and chairs the Foreign Affairs Council, thus bridging the executive and intergovernmental pillars of the EU. The High Representative is supported by the European External Action Service, a dedicated diplomatic corps.

History and establishment

The role emerged from a series of reforms aimed at strengthening the EU's global role following the end of the Cold War. Prior to the Treaty of Lisbon, foreign policy coordination was split between the High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy, a post created by the Treaty of Amsterdam and held by Javier Solana, and the European Commissioner for External Relations. This dual structure was criticized for creating inefficiency and a lack of a single voice. The European Convention, led by Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, proposed merging these functions, a change ratified in the Treaty of Lisbon which entered into force in 2009. The first appointee, Catherine Ashton, was instrumental in establishing the nascent European External Action Service.

Role and responsibilities

The High Representative's primary duty is to conduct the Common Foreign and Security Policy and the Common Security and Defence Policy. This involves representing the EU in international fora such as the United Nations and during dialogues with major powers like the United States, China, and Russia. The officeholder proposes and implements strategic decisions adopted by the European Council and the Foreign Affairs Council, and can convene extraordinary meetings of these bodies during crises. Key responsibilities also include managing civilian and military missions under the Common Security and Defence Policy, overseeing sanctions regimes, and coordinating the EU's response to global challenges, often in partnership with organizations like NATO and the African Union.

Appointment and term

The High Representative is appointed by the European Council, acting by a qualified majority, with the agreement of the President of the European Commission. The process typically follows European Parliament elections and the appointment of a new College of Commissioners. The term is five years, coinciding with the mandate of the European Commission, and the position may be renewed. The officeholder must be approved by the European Parliament, which holds a hearing before granting its consent to the full Commission. The appointment reflects a political balance among member states and within the Parliament's major political groups.

List of officeholders

Since the position's creation, there have been three officeholders. The inaugural High Representative was Britain's Catherine Ashton (2009–2014), who previously served as European Commissioner for Trade. She was succeeded by Italy's Federica Mogherini (2014–2019), a former Italian Foreign Minister. The current incumbent is Spain's Josep Borrell (2019–present), a former President of the European Parliament and Spanish Foreign Minister. Each has shaped the role, with Mogherini overseeing the implementation of the Iran nuclear deal and Borrell managing the EU's response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Relationship with other EU institutions

The role is uniquely positioned at the intersection of several key EU institutions. As a Vice-President of the European Commission, the High Representative ensures the Commission's external policies are aligned with the broader Common Foreign and Security Policy. By chairing the Foreign Affairs Council, the officeholder steeps the intergovernmental decisions of the Council of the European Union. The High Representative also works closely with the President of the European Council, currently Charles Michel, and regularly briefs the European Parliament's Committee on Foreign Affairs. This complex architecture is designed to ensure consistency between the EU's diplomatic, development, and defense tools, though it requires constant coordination with national capitals and figures like the French President and German Chancellor.

Category:European Union