High Representative of the Union in Europe

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (Article 18 Teu)

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy has not become the EU foreign minister, as planned in the constitutional project; however, their position within the institutional set-up has been considerably strengthened and expanded. Initially, the office of High Representative will be merged with that of Commissioner for Foreign Affairs. This gives the High Representative a base in both the Council, where they hold the presidency of the Foreign Affairs Council, and the Commission, where they are Vice-President in charge of foreign affairs. The High Representative is appointed by the European Council, acting by a qualified majority, with the agreement of the President of the Commission. He or she is assisted by a newly created foreign service, made up of officials from the European Commission (5) and the General Secretariat of the Council and seconded representatives of the diplomatic services of the Member States.