Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 03/2011

The European External Action Service: Implications and Challenges

Gustav Lindstrom

November 2010

The Geneva Centre for Security Policy

Abstract

The European External Action Service (EEAS) established by the Lisbon Treaty will reach initial operating capability in December 2010. However, full operational capability may take several years to achieve, requiring a careful management of expectations in the short- to medium-term.