Their mission is to contribute to sustainable development, to eradicate poverty, and promote peace and the protection of human rights through international partnerships that uphold and promote European values and interests.

As part of the European Union’s external relations, they base their actions on international law and multilateralism and are at the forefront of the European Union’s efforts to implement global commitments, notably the United Nations 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.

Under the geopolitical ambition and political guidelines set by the President of the European Commission, they lead on international cooperation, building partnerships with countries and organisations across the globe. They work hand in hand with Commission services to ensure that the external dimension of all EU policies strengthen their action in the world. They work hand in hand with their Member States to mobilise a strong Team Europe behind their EU agenda on the world stage. They work hand in hand with their partners, setting policy agendas, taking initiatives and ensuring effective implementation of their actions for the ultimate benefit of people across the world.