Global EU

EU external action and diplomacy, and relations with third countries and regions

Leveraging wide-ranging expertise on EU foreign policy and public administration, EIPA provides tailor-made training to EU institutions and bodies, and to national administrations in Europe and beyond. Our Global EU cluster is dedicated to the study of the multifaceted field of EU external action and diplomacy, as well as cooperation with third countries.

Our work on EU external action and diplomacy
Under consecutive EU framework contracts, EIPA’s Global EU team has delivered trainings on EU external action, ranging from decision-making and external assistance programming to geographic and thematic policies for the European External Action Service (EEAS), the European Commission, the Council and the European Parliament. Examples include courses on key EU policies such as the Common Security and Defence Policy, the Common Commercial Policy and the European Neighbourhood Policy, bilateral and regional relations (US and China, the Western Balkans and Africa), and on topical issues of EU foreign policy such as connectivity, climate diplomacy and strategic autonomy.

EIPA’s external action portfolio also covers the EU’s diplomatic system, diplomacy and diplomatic skills training. Having taught EU diplomats on key issues and specific practices in EU diplomacy since the establishment of the EEAS in 2011, we have a long track record delivering hands-on training providing new recruits to the service with skills and knowledge for advancing a EU-level diplomacy. In 2022, we were leading the feasibility study for setting up a European Diplomatic Academy.

Our work with Member States’ administrations and third countries
EIPA has long-standing experience in training civil servants of both EU Member States and third countries, including the candidate countries. We provide specialised training on EU internal and external policies and processes for third countries’ administrations wishing to increase their engagement with the EU.

At the intersection of Global EU and Effective Public Administration, EIPA helped to set up, on behalf of the European Commission, the Regional School of Public Administration (ReSPA) in Danilovgrad/Montenegro. In 2020, we  inaugurated the Seasonal School on EU Accession Negotiations, aiming to prepare candidate countries for accession to the EU.

Are you interested in a tailor-made offer on the topic of global EU?
Let us help you create a training programme that meets the unique needs of your organisation. Reach out to us today to discuss your requirements and explore your options.