EU High Representative

Niklas Helwig is Leading Researcher at the Finnish Institute of International Affairs. He is also an Associate Professor in International Relations at Tampere University, Finland. His research focuses on EU foreign and security policy, German foreign and security policy, as well as EU-US relations.

“The book makes an original contribution to the literature on EU foreign and security policy. …the book provides a thoughtful exploration of a pivotal institution within the EU machinery. This book is particularly well suited for scholars and practitioners of European studies, International Relations and foreign policy analysis. It will also resonate with policy-makers and diplomats invested in the EU’s evolving role as a global actor.” (Mahmoud Javadi, International Affairs, Vol. 101 (3), 2025)

• 1. Introduction: Europe's Secretary of (no) State.- 2. The approach: the many roles of an EU High Representative.- 3. The context: the High Representative in the history and institutional structure of EU foreign policy.- 4. The pioneer: Javier Solana and the formative years of the CFSP.- 5. The quiet diplomat: Catherine Ashton and the making of post-Lisbon foreign policy.- 6. The global strategist: Federica Mogherini and the aspiration of an integrated external action.- 7. The intellectual: Josep Borrell and the challenge of a geopolitical Europe.- 8. Conclusions: the impact and limits of the EU High Representative in shaping the EU and its Global Role.