The High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

Introduction
The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy is the main

co-ordinator and representative of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) within the European Union (EU). The position is currently held by Catherine Ashton The post has been likened to a foreign minister for the EU

History
The post was introduced by the Treaty of Amsterdam

as the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy; it was then occupied by Javier Solana in 1999 for ten years until it was expanded by the Lisbon Treaty to sit in the European Commission and chair the council of EU foreign ministers. Following the Lisbon Treaty the post is assisted by the European External Action Service that was set up in December of 2010.

The appointment of the High Representative

The European Council, acting by a qualified majority, with the agreement of the President of the Commission, shall appoint the High Representative The length of term is five years, the same as that of the Commission Catherine Ashton was appointed 19th November 2009

and took office on 1st December 2009

Before the Lisbon Treaty

One person for three different functions: the High Representative exercises, in foreign affairs, the functions which, so far, have been exercised by: the six-monthly rotating Presidency the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy the Commissioner for External Relations

After the Lisbon Treaty

The High Representative will exercise, in foreign

affairs, the functions which, so far, were exercised by the six-monthly rotating Presidency, the High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy CFSP and the Commissioner for External Relations.

 conduct the Union's common foreign and security

policy; contribute by his proposals to the development of that policy, which he/she will carry out as mandated by the Council, and ensure implementation of the decisions adopted in this field; preside over the Foreign Affairs Council;

 be one of the Vice-Presidents of the Commission.

He/she will ensure the consistency of the Union's external action. represent the Union for matters relating to the common foreign and security policy, conduct political dialogue with third parties on the Union's behalf and express the Union's position in international organizations and at international conferences.

 exercise authority over the European External

Action Service and over the Union delegations in third countries and at international organisations

Who is Catherine Ashton?

She is a British Labour

politician Commissioner for Trade in the European Commission (3 October 2008 - 1 December 2009) Leader of the House of Lords and Lord President of the Queens Privy Council (27 June 2007 - 3 October 2008)

What has Mrs Ashton done in her first months as High Representative?
She had to face the Haiti crisis She presented the proposal for the organisation and

functioning of the European External Action Service She attended several international meetings and summits She chaired the Foreign Affairs Council meetings

THANK YOU VERY MUCH!