Debating Europe - “Setting up the European External Action Service (EEAS): experiences and perspectives ” With David O’Sullivan

Venue: Sala del Capitolo, Badia Fiesolana, Firenze, Italy
Period: Nov. 28, 2012

Mr. O’ Sullivan will address the difficulties and challenges experienced while setting up the EEAS in January 2011 and following its creation, as well as the challenges the service is expected to face in the future. His presentation will largely focus on the EEAS’s future perspectives, including its value on European diplomacy and the benefits of its projects on the global world.
David O'Sullivan is currently the Chief Operating Officer of the European External Action Service. The EEAS supports the High Representative/Vice President of the Commission, Cathy Ashton in fulfilling her mandate to ensure the consistency of the Union’s external action. The EEAS also assists the President of the European Council and the President of the European Commission in the area of external relations.
David was Director General for Trade from 2005 to 2010. Previously he was Secretary General of the European Commission from June 2000 to November 2005, Head of Cabinet of Commission President Romano Prodi and Director General for Education and Training. He also has extensive experience in EU social and employment policy. David has a background in economics, graduating from Trinity College, Dublin and having completed post graduate studies at the College of Europe, Bruges. He holds an Honorary Doctorate from the Dublin Institute of Technology. He is also a Member of the Consultative Board of the Institute for International Integration Studies at Trinity College, Dublin.

The event will feature the participation of:

Communications Service
European University Institute

e-mail: eui.PR@eui.eu