External Action Service - First Evidence Session

At 10.05 am the Committee will hear from Hugo Shorter, Head of Europe Directorate – External, Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Graham Avery, Senior Member of St. Antony’s College, Oxford University, Senior Adviser at the European Policy Centre, Brussels.

The Committee are also seeking written evidence from anyone interested in the EEAS. Questions on which evidence is sought include:

• What are the main achievements of the EEAS since its establishment and where has it been less successful?
• Has the EEAS been successful in communicating and promoting the EU’s policies and values?
• Has the EEAS led to a more coordinated and effective EU foreign policy?
• Has the EEAS been effective in response to crises?
• Is the EEAS budget sufficient to meet its objectives? Are there areas where it could make savings?
• What impact has the European financial crisis had on the EEAS?

The deadline for the submission of written evidence is 12 December.

Commenting Lord Teverson, Chairman of the Lords EU Sub-Committee for  External Affairs, said:

“The European External Action Service was one of the major innovations to come out of the Lisbon Treaty in terms of how the EU presents itself to the world. We are now nearly two years on from its inception and the time is right for an assessment of its performance. What has it got right and where is it going wrong? Is it providing added value?”

“Our inquiry will provide a detailed and thorough analysis of the EEAS and we welcome contributions to that process from anyone with an interest in this important area of EU activity.”

Information on submitting evidence is available below:

Call for evidence