kids encyclopedia robot

High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (often called the HR/VP) is a very important person in the European Union (EU). Think of them as the EU's main diplomat and foreign minister. Their job is to help guide and represent the EU's actions on the world stage, especially when it comes to foreign affairs and security.

The current High Representative is Josep Borrell Fontelles. This role was created to make sure the EU speaks with one clear voice when dealing with other countries and international issues.

The idea for this job started with the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1999. Back then, it was called the "High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy." Later, the Treaty of Lisbon in 2009 made the role even bigger. It added the title "Vice-President of the European Commission" and gave the High Representative more power, including leading meetings of EU foreign ministers. The first person to hold this expanded role was Catherine Ashton. To help with all these tasks, a special department called the European External Action Service (EEAS) was set up in 2010.

What the High Representative Does

The High Representative has many important jobs related to how the EU interacts with the rest of the world.

  • They help EU countries agree on foreign matters. Once agreed, the High Representative can speak for the entire EU.
  • They lead the European External Action Service (EEAS), which is like the EU's diplomatic corps, with offices and ambassadors around the world.
  • They are a Vice-President of the European Commission, which is the EU's executive branch.
  • They lead the Foreign Affairs Council, which is where EU foreign ministers meet.
  • They represent the EU in international meetings and organizations.
  • They help coordinate efforts on security and defense for the EU.

The High Representative also helps manage the budget for the EEAS and appoints its staff. While they can suggest new ideas for foreign policy, the final decisions are made by the EU member countries. The High Representative also reports to the European Parliament.

How the Role Changed Over Time

The job of High Representative has grown a lot since it was first created.

Early Days: High Representative for CFSP

The first version of the High Representative role was introduced by the Treaty of Amsterdam. It was decided that the person who was the Secretary-General of the Council of the European Union would also be the High Representative.

Jürgen Trumpf (1999)

Jürgen Trumpf was the first High Representative, but he only served for a few months in 1999.

Javier Solana (1999–2009)

Javier Solana 1999
Javier Solana was the first long-serving High Representative.

Javier Solana became the first long-serving High Representative in October 1999. He had previously been the head of NATO. During his time, the role became much more important. He helped transfer responsibilities from another organization, the Western European Union, to the EU's foreign and security policy. He also became the head of the European Defence Agency.

Solana was known as a "quiet diplomat." He worked on many important international issues, like negotiating agreements between the EU and countries in the Middle East and Latin America. He also played a key role in trying to resolve the Israeli–Palestinian conflict as part of the "Road map for Peace" group, which included the UN, Russia, and the United States. He also helped mediate during political events in Ukraine.

The New Role: High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy

The Treaty of Lisbon created the current, more powerful role. It combined the High Representative's job with that of the European Commissioner for External Relations. This meant one person would handle both the diplomatic and aid aspects of the EU's foreign policy. The new High Representative also became a Vice-President of the European Commission.

Catherine Ashton (2009–2014)

Official portrait of Baroness Ashton of Upholland crop 2, 2024
Catherine Ashton was the first High Representative under the Treaty of Lisbon.

After Javier Solana, Catherine Ashton from the United Kingdom became the first High Representative under the new, expanded role. She had been the EU's Trade Commissioner before this. She was confirmed by the European Parliament before starting her job.

Ashton officially launched the European External Action Service (EEAS) in December 2010. This new service helped her coordinate the EU's foreign policy efforts. For example, after the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Ashton helped coordinate the EU's aid and response, bringing together different EU departments.

Initially, some people criticized Ashton because the job was new and very challenging. However, she later earned praise for her diplomatic skills, especially in important negotiations. For instance, she played a key role in talks between Kosovo and Serbia to improve their relationship. She also led the negotiations with Iran about its nuclear program, which resulted in an important agreement in 2013. Many diplomats praised her for her hard work and ability to get results.

Federica Mogherini (2014–2019)

Federica Mogherini - 2018 (MUS7572) (cropped)
Federica Mogherini served as High Representative from 2014 to 2019.

Federica Mogherini from Italy took over as High Representative in November 2014. Before her appointment, there were some discussions about her views on Russia and Ukraine. However, she was formally nominated and approved by EU leaders.

One of her first goals was to help start talks between Russia and Ukraine to solve their crisis. In 2015, Mogherini was highly praised for her important role in negotiating the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which was an international agreement about Iran's nuclear program. She and the Iranian Foreign Minister were the ones to announce this major deal to the world.

Josep Borrell Fontelles (2019–present)

Josep Borrell (49468484246)
Josep Borrell is the current High Representative.

Josep Borrell from Spain became the High Representative in December 2019. He has been active in many global challenges.

In 2020, he helped launch the "Team Europe" aid package. This package provided over €20 billion to help partner countries deal with the COVID-19 pandemic and its economic effects. Borrell emphasized that global problems like pandemics need global solutions and international teamwork.

He has also been involved in diplomatic efforts related to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He has urged Russia to respect Ukraine's borders and international agreements.

More recently, Borrell has spoken out about the Israel–Hamas war. He has stressed the importance of following international humanitarian law and ensuring aid reaches people in need. He has also highlighted the EU's support for organizations like UNRWA, which provides aid to Palestinians.

How the High Representative is Chosen

The High Representative is chosen by the European Council, which is made up of the leaders of the EU member countries. They need a special majority vote to appoint someone.

However, to officially start their role as a Vice-President of the European Commission, the chosen person must also appear before the European Parliament for questioning. The Parliament then votes to approve the entire proposed European Commission, including the High Representative.

The High Representative receives a monthly salary, along with other allowances, similar to other high-ranking EU officials.

Images for kids

kids search engine
All content from Kiddle encyclopedia articles (including the article images and facts) can be freely used under Attribution-ShareAlike license, unless stated otherwise. Cite this article:
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.