# European External Action Service

- Link: https://euemployment.eu/glossary/european-external-action-service-eeas/
- Published: 2024-02-24T19:16:24+01:00
- Author: Ben

EEAS is the diplomatic service and foreign and defense “ministry” of the European
Union (EU).

Established by the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009 and operational since December 1, 2010,
the EEAS supports the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
in conducting the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP), including the 
Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).

The EEAS serves as a foreign affairs entity combining the external relation functions
previously held by the [Council of the European Union](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/council-of-the-european-union/)
and the [European Commission](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/european-commission/).
It is composed of officials from relevant departments of the Council and Commission,
as well as staff seconded from national diplomatic services of the member states.

### Responsibilities

The EEAS is tasked with implementing the EU’s foreign policy, working closely with
member states’ diplomatic services, and providing expertise and instruments to manage
the EU’s external relations and security policies.

### Structure

The EEAS is headed by the High Representative, who is also a Vice-President of the
[European Commission](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/european-commission/), and
is organized into a central administration in Brussels and a network of [EU delegations](https://euemployment.eu/glossary/eu-delegations/)
and offices around the world. It includes various departments focusing on geographical
areas, security policy, global and multilateral issues, inter-institutional relations,
and administration.

The EEAS plays a crucial role in representing the EU globally, shaping its foreign
policy, and responding to international crises and challenges.

[Vacancies at the EEAS](https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/vacancies_en?f%5B0%5D=vacancy_site%3AEEAS&f%5B1%5D=vacancy_site%3AEEAS).