The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs

The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP) represents the EU externally. As the EU’s chief diplomat, the HR/VP chairs the Foreign Affairs Council, coordinates and carries out the EU foreign and security policy. He/she regularly visits non-EU countries to discuss their relationship with the EU.

Expressing publicly the voice of the EU on EU foreign policy issues, she is also in charge of promoting and protecting human rights externally.

In 2012, the Foreign Affairs Council appointed an EU Special Representative (EUSR) for Human Rights to support the HR/VP’s work in that field. There is also an EUSR for the Middle East Peace Process.