FPI is a service of the European Commission that reports directly to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission. It works very closely with the European External Action Service (EEAS) and with EU Delegations around the world and is tasked with preparing and implementing foreign policy-related actions in a number of areas.

FPI is about action: It works to implement the EU’s foreign policy from a financial and operational point of view

FPI is helping on the ground: Its operations and missions show that the EU is engaged ‘in the real world’, assisting other countries cope with crises and maintain peace, security, law and order

FPI protects EU interests and values: It implements EU sanctions and helps control harmful trade in so called ‘conflict diamonds’ (Kimberley Process) and materials linked to torture.

The FPI is under the direct authority of the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, and works very closely with the EEAS and EU Delegations on a daily basis.