The European External Action Service and EU Climate Diplomacy: Coordinator and Supporter in Brussels and Beyond

Abstract

This article assesses the European External Action Service’s (EEAS’s) role in the evolution of EU climate diplomacy over the past decade and considers its future agenda. We distinguish between the EEAS headquarters and the EU Delegations/Offices in third countries. The EEAS headquarters has found a role as coordinator among the Council and Commission services as well as between ‘Brussels’ and the EU Delegations. What is more, the EU Delegations have engaged in various climate diplomacy activities and coordinate among Member State embassies. Despite its reliance on only a few staff members specialized in climate issues – both at the headquarters and Delegation level – the EEAS contributes to EU climate diplomacy formulation and implementation by providing a centralized venue for coherent geographic and thematic messaging and action. European External Action Service, EEAS, climate diplomacy, EU Delegations