The Role of the European External Action Service in the External Dimension of the Area of Freedom Security and Justice

The abolition of the ‘third pillar’ of the European Union has apparently reinforced the ‘Community method’ in the external dimension of the Area of Freedom Security and Justice (AFSJ). However, the objectives of this Area are pursued through several activities, characterised by different procedures and actors. This contribution intends to demonstrate that the creation of the European External Action Service (EEAS) can enhance the coherence of the external dimension of the AFSJ, because the Service is tasked with the coordination of the entire external action. It is submitted that the EEAS can foster the effectiveness of the law-making and policy implementation phases and it can ensure the unity of the EU’s diplomatic representation. The potential of the EEAS is particularly evident with respect to security, because the Service can effectively coordinate the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and non-CFSP aspects of the EU’s security management. However, the EEAS is largely influenced by the intergovernmental method, and its involvement in non-CFSP initiatives may perpetuate the intergovernmental approach to the external dimension of the AFSJ.