As the EU’s diplomatic service, the European External Action Service (EEAS) deals with complex foreign policy challenges which require advanced tools of analysis and a solid evidence-base. The enhanced cooperation with the European University Institute (EUI) in higher education, research and analysis will enrich the EEAS’ own analytical work, to improve policy-making and preparedness.
The agreement identifies several areas of collaboration, such as policy dialogues, institutional and capacity-building support, the organisation of training activities and seminars, and research and evaluation on the European Union's common foreign and security policy and external relations as well as the broader geopolitics and geo-economics that define international relations.
A Steering Committee has been set up to implement the agreement and to develop the cooperation by identifying specific areas of cooperation and projects and by defining activity plans.
Upon the signing, EEAS Secretary-General Stefano Sannino said: “This Agreement offers a promising framework of cooperation. Working with the EUI and its School of Transnational Governance will give to the EEAS the opportunity to profit from the European University Institute’s profound knowledge on European integration, European foreign policy, and international affairs.”
EUI President Renaud Dehousse added: “As the EU’s diplomatic service, the European External Action Service plays a vital role in the Union’s external relations. At the European University Institute, we are glad to support the EEAS mission through analysis, expertise and training on issues pertaining to international relations and politics.”
The EEAS is the European Union's (EU) diplomatic service. It helps the EU's foreign affairs chief – the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy – carry out the Union's Common Foreign and Security Policy. A key aspect of the work of the EEAS is its ability to work closely with the foreign and defence ministries of the Member States of the EU and the other EU institutions, such as the European Commission, Council and Parliament. It also has a strong working relationship with the United Nations and other International Organisations. Based in Brussels, but relying on an extensive network of EU diplomatic presence worldwide, the EEAS brings together European civil servants, diplomats from the foreign services of the EU Member States and local staff in countries around the world.