European Commissioner for External Relations

The Commissioner for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy was a member of the European Commission. He was under the Representation of the European Union at the level of the Commission towards third countries, in particular by means of delegation of the European Commission. Since the establishment of the European Neighbourhood Policy in 2004 these fell within the remit of the Commissioner for External Relations. The Commissioner for Enlargement and the European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, however, were independent departments.

Since the establishment of the Common Foreign and Security Policy ( CFSP) and the appointment of a High Representative for the CFSP by the European Council under the Treaty of Amsterdam in 1999 originated in the area of ​​EU foreign policy double structures, as the Commissioner for External Relations and the High Representative of some of the same functions perceived. With the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty, both positions were therefore combined into the new post of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy from 1 December 2009, the Vice- President of the European Commission is at the same time (so-called small double hat ).

The last pure External Relations Commissioner Benita Ferrero- Waldner was. As her successor in the Barroso II Commission and first High Representative after the entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty Catherine Ashton is in office. The area of ​​European Neighbourhood Policy should in future be adopted by the Commissioner for Enlargement, who works closely but with the High Representative.

Office bearer

• European Commission
• History of the European Union