The Diplomatic System of the European Union: Evolution, Change and Challenges

Over the past five years, the EU has established a new system of diplomacy centred on the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This new system reflects a process of evolution in a changing context, and has been faced by major challenges since its inception.

This book examines the diplomatic system of the EU, locating it within the broader study of diplomacy and the European integration project. The volume is structured around the interrelated themes of institutional change and the evolving practices of EU diplomacy. It tracks the development of the EU’s system of diplomacy, with particular reference to the implementation of the Lisbon Treaty, the establishment of the EEAS and the emerging practices of EU strategic and structural diplomacy. Bringing together contributions from leading experts in the field, this book provides an original approach to the development and operation of the EU’s diplomatic system.

This book will be of interest to students and scholars of European Union international relations, European Union politics and diplomacy.

Michael Smith is Professor of European Politics and Jean Monnet Chair in the Department of Politics, History and International Relations at Loughborough University, UK, and Professor in European Politics in the Department of Politics and International Studies at the University of Warwick, UK.

Stephan Keukeleire is Jean Monnet Professor in European Foreign Policy at Leuven International and European Studies (LINES) of the University of Leuven, Director of the 'Master of European Studies: Transnational and Global Perspectives' and 'Master in European Politics and Policies' in Leuven, and Visiting Professor at the College of Europe in Bruges, Belgium.

Sophie Vanhoonacker is Professor in European Administrative Governance and Jean Monnet Chair in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Maastricht University, the Netherlands.