The European External Action Service is now an effective instrument for policy coordination over 27 countries

The European External Action Service (EEAS) is the new institutional arm of EU diplomacy. It is headed by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR/VP), currently an office held by the Baroness Catherine Ashton. Nick Cherrier takes a close look at decision making in the Foreign Affairs Council from a game theory perspective. He argues the EEAS has the role of an efficient inter-State coordination instrument which also empowers the office of the High Representative through information gathering and agenda setting.