Union Minister for Foreign Affairs - Definition

The European Union Minister of Foreign Affairs is a new EU political post envisaged under the proposed EU constitutional treaty. If and when the constitution comes into force, the new post will be created.

The post will combine two offices existing already:

• The High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy as introduced by the Treaty of Amsterdam, who represents the council of Foreign Ministers of the Union (together with the national Foreign Minister holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union). This office is currently held by Javier Solana.
• The Commissioner for Foreign Relations, who is responsible for the representation of the European Commission in foreign policy affairs.

The Foreign Minister will at the same time be:

• Vice President of the European Commission, with access to the funds and the personnel in the Commission
• Chair of the Council of Ministers in its Foreign Affairs configuration.

Under the current draft of the European Constitution, the Union Minister of Foreign Affairs will only be able to represent the Union in matters where there is already consensus among the member states.