To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether the European External Action Service will have overseas posts; and if he will make a statement. (186716)

The treaty of Lisbon provides for a European External Action Service (EEAS), whose role will be to support the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The European Commission currently has a network of over 120 delegations in third countries and international organisations. Under the Lisbon treaty, these will be placed under the authority of the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. The High Representative will be accountable to the member states of the Council.