Foreign affairs

Looking beyond Europe’s boundaries

Our Working Group on External Policies influences the European Union's foreign and security policy. It prepares reports on how European funds are spent and supports the European Parliament in decisions about international agreements. It has led EU efforts in securing the EU’s external borders, pushing for and actively working towards the creation of a European Defence Union and visa liberalisation. The Western Balkans are also a priority for us. We want to bring them into the EU fold through encouraging reforms to ensure the rule of law, fight corruption and to ensure an independent judicial system.

Chair

Committees in this Working Group

Burkina Faso, woman holding mobile phone

Development

Influencing EU development aid On a practical note, this committee is responsible for deciding the budget for EU aid spending, and monitoring the European...

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Foreign Affairs

Strengthening relationships with third countries The committee closely scrutinises issues around human rights in third countries, influences how agencies...

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Human Rights

Putting human rights at the forefront of policy The European Union is committed to supporting democracy and human rights in its external relations, in harmony...

A virtual map appears above the hands of a man holding a smartphone

International Trade

A trade policy with a conscience The Lisbon Treaty gives the European Parliament (EP) a decisive role in defining the EU's trade policy,...

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Security and Defence

Maintaining stability in the EU neighbourhood In practical terms, this committee assists the Committee on Foreign Affairs on issues around the...

Related Position

Foreign affairs

Related Position Papers

Ukraine (119040)
publications 24.11.2022

EPP Group Position Paper on Ukraine

WHAT IS NEEDED FOR UKRAINE’S VICTORY AND FOR THE EU: A SYSTEMIC APPROACH Russia’s war against Ukraine has lasted for more tha...

Flags of Ukraine and the European Union
publications 05.04.2022

List of Ongoing EU Legislation to be Reviewed in Light of the War in Ukraine

European Parliament level Standing debate in plenary (In...

publications 10.03.2021

EU-China Relations - Towards a Fair and Reciprocal Partnership

“To have principles, first have courage” Chinese proverb Ancient Chinese Emperors cla...

Contact

  • Juan SALAFRANCA
  • Deputy Secretary-General and Director, External Policies - Policy Adviser for Central America, Andean Community, Mercosur, Mexico and Chile and EuroLat Delegations
  • +32 2 2846355