EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy conducts the EU’s common foreign and security policy, presides over the Foreign Affairs Council, builds consensus between the EU member states and ensures consistency and coherence of the EU’s external action.

High Representative Kaja Kallas

The current High Representative is Kaja Kallas, who was appointed for a 5-year period from December 2024.

Responsibilities of the High Representative

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy:

shapes and conducts the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
contributes through her proposals to the development of the EU common foreign and security policy
chairs the Foreign Affairs Council
ensures the implementation of the decisions adopted by the European Council and the Council of the EU
represents the EU on issues relating to the common foreign and security policy at her level
attends the meetings of the European Councils (while not formally being a member)
updates the European Parliament on foreign policy and security issues
is responsible, together with the Council, for CSDP missions and operations
leads the EU’s diplomatic network of 144 EU delegations around the world
heads the European Defence Agency and the EU Institute for Security Studies

The High Representative is also one of the vice-presidents of the European Commission and ensures the consistency of the Union’s external action.

The Political and Security Committee (PSC), comprising the ambassadors of the 27 EU countries within the Council, is chaired by a representative of the High Representative. The committee monitors the international situation in the areas covered by the CFSP and exercises political control and strategic direction of crisis management operations, under the responsibility of the Council and of the High Representative.

Chair of the Foreign Affairs Council

The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy chairs, prepares and conducts the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC), and follows up on its decisions. The Foreign Affairs Council is composed of the foreign ministers of all EU member states and usually meets at least once a month.

The Foreign Affairs Council also meets in the configuration/format of defence, development and trade ministers, respectively.

When the FAC discusses common commercial policy issues, it is chaired by the representative of the EU member state holding the six-monthly rotating presidency of the Council of the EU.

History of the High Representative role

The post of High Representative was originally created in 1997 under the Amsterdam Treaty, although responsibilities in the field of external policies were shared with the European Commissioner for External Relations.

The Lisbon Treaty, which entered into force in December 2009, extended the responsibilities of the High Representative by including the presidency of the Foreign Affairs Council and the role of vice-president of the Commission.

As vice-president of the European Commission, the High Representative ensures that the EU’s overall external action in the areas of development, trade, neighborhood policy, humanitarian aid and crisis response is consistent and effective.

Appointment of the High Representative

The HR is appointed by the European Council acting by a qualified majority, with the agreement of the President of the European Commission, for a term of 5 years.

The High Representative’s appointment is also subject to a vote of consent by the European Parliament. This is because the High Representative is also one of the Vice-Presidents of the European Commission and the appointment of the European Commission as a whole requires the European Parliament’s consent.

Former High Representatives

Portrait of Josep Borrell in black and white.

Josep Borrell Fontelles (2019-2024)

Portrait of Federica Mogherini in black and white.

Federica Mogherini (2014-2019)

Portrait of Catherine Ashton in black and white.

Catherine Ashton (2009-2014)

Portrait of Javier Solana in black and white.

Javier Solana (1999-2009)

European External Action Service

The High Representative is assisted in the performance of his or her duties by the European External Action Service (EEAS) — the EU’s diplomatic service.

The EEAS was established by the Lisbon Treaty and works in cooperation with EU countries’ diplomatic services. It comprises officials and agents from the EU as well as personnel seconded from national diplomatic services.

European External Action Service (website)