What is the High Representative for Foreign Affairs?

The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs performs functions for the EU equivalent to a foreign minister at the national level, representing the EU on foreign and security policy matters. They sit as a vice-president within the College of Commissioners in the European Commission. They are elected by a ‘reinforced qualified majority’ of EU member states on the European Council and serve a five-year term that coincides with the duration of each Commission. The current High Representative is former Spanish Foreign Minister Josep Borrell.