Press Release: Commission sets out overhaul of its External Service

On 3 July 2001 the European Commission adopted a Communication setting out an overhaul of the External Service of the Commission in order to strengthen its contribution to the external relations of the European Union. Originally, the role of the External Service was to represent the Commission in trade negotiations and to undertake development co-operation activities. Over the years they have also come to represent European interests in many other areas of Community activity. The development of new areas of EU action, and in particular CFSP, has given an additional dimension to the work of the delegations. To reflect these changes, and to implement the reform of External assistance, modernisation is necessary if the External Service is to reply efficiently and rapidly to the demands put upon it.