The European External Action Service and Public Diplomacy

This paper by Dr. Simon Duke (Professor at the European Institute of Public Administration) contributes to a hitherto rather neglected field of research. It  examines the evolution of public diplomacy in the EU’s external actions generally and, more specifically, in the context of the evolving EEAS. It argues that there is an urgent need for better coordination and streamlining of the Service’s public diplomacy efforts and that this should be complemented by due attention to the related strategic and resource issues. The more critical observations are balanced by the recognition that much has already been achieved and that there are some notable success stories. For those with an interest in the policy implications of the advent of the EEAS on public diplomacy, a number of specific recommendations are offered for consideration.