Why is the European External Action Service implementing a pilot project towards the establishment of a European Diplomatic Academy?

The EEAS launched the pilot project for the establishment of a European Diplomatic Academy following the European Parliament’s proposal for a pilot project entitled ‘Towards the creation of a European Diplomatic Academy’. The aim is to support the development of a common diplomatic culture, based on an EU perspective, thereby, ultimately strengthening the EU effectiveness as foreign policy actor. The success of the first pilot phase in the academic year 2022/23, underlines the importance of providing training to national diplomats on EU issues and working methods by means of a permanent, fully-fledged European Diplomatic Academy.

What is the objective of the European Diplomatic Academy?

The objective of the European Diplomatic Academy is to ensure the consistent provision of academic and practical training to Member States’ diplomats and EU institutions’ staff members working in the field of external relations, on policies, procedures, and diplomatic practices in the field of EU external action, in particular the CFSP. Hence, to enhance a common understanding of EU’s role in the world, and to disseminate best practices of EU diplomacy, while promoting the spirit of a ‘European diplomatic corps’.

What is the added value of a European Diplomatic Academy when national diplomats already receive training in their Ministries?

The European Diplomatic Academy complements national diplomatic training programmes by bridging the current gap in EU knowledge and understanding. Rather than replacing or duplicating what is done at the national level, the European Diplomatic Academy focuses on the development of an in-depth understanding of the complex decision-making and policy-making mechanisms in the EU, and the specific skills necessary to conduct European diplomacy. This prepares a critical mass of European diplomats to be immediately operational when posted in Brussels or in their national structures, dealing with EU matters and addressing its strategic challenges.

The European Diplomatic Academy also aims to create a truly common European diplomatic culture within the EU, thereby bridging any potential cultural divide. The residential aspect of the programme allows participants to live, study and work together, thus contributing to networking and to the formation of a true esprit de corps.

How is the project funded?

As with the first pilot phase of the European Diplomatic Academy, the second pilot phase over the academic year 2023/24 is funded under the general budget of the EU, with an envelope of €990.500. The EEAS, through the project funds, will cover the tuition fee for the entire programme as well as boarding and lodging expenses, and transport costs, including for study visits to Brussels. 

Who will carry out the pilot programme of the European Diplomatic Academy?

Following the successful implementation of the first pilot phase, the implementation of the second phase of the European Diplomatic Academy pilot programme was again awarded through a tender procedure to a consortium formed by the College of Europe in Bruges (Belgium), and the College of Europe in Natolin (Poland). Federica Mogherini, current Rector of the College of Europe in Bruges and former EU High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy will continue as Director of the programme. This year, the programme will run over two separate but identical editions (September 2023 – January 2024 / February 2024 – June 2024) and will also include a one-month training period in the EEAS.

When will the pilot programme start and how will it run?

In response to feedback from participants from the first 9-month pilot phase of the programme, and suggestions from Member States, the second pilot phase in the year 2023/24 will be conducted in two separate editions of five months each.

The first edition will start on 31 August 2023 in Natolin (Poland), with one week of team-building exercises and visits to the Polish-Ukrainian border. The participants will then move to Bruges for the core course. It will be hosted at the campus of the College of Europe in Bruges, ideally located in the heart of Europe and close to Brussels. In January 2024, participants of the first edition will begin a one-month training assignment at the EEAS Headquarters in Brussels.

The second edition will begin in February 2024 with four months of core courses held in Bruges, followed by a one-month training assignment at the EEAS Headquarters, and the final week spent in Natolin. In late June 2024, participants will conclude the programme with a one-week segment of activities and visits in Natolin.

What does the course cover?

The syllabus covers the core issues concerning EU foreign and security policies, and EU external action, as well as EU’s role as a global actor and its multilateral relations. The teaching methodology emphasises the practical application of concepts and skills, through frequent simulation and role exercises. About 80% of the lecturers are practitioners (including senior EEAS officials) and the remaining 20% are scholars. Classroom teaching in Bruges is complemented by study visits to the European institutions in Brussels, as well as Member States’ representations and other organisations of relevance to European external action and foreign and security policy, such as NATO.

Who will participate in the programme this year? How were participants selected?

The programme is open to junior diplomats from EU Member States and officials from the EU institutions (EEAS, European Commission, General Secretariat of the Council of the EU, European Parliament).

Participants were nominated by Member States and the EU institutions, from amongst officials in their junior grade. This year, about 50 junior diplomats from EU Member States and the EU institutions have been selected to participate in the two separate five-month programme editions, with about 25 people in each group.

What will happen to diplomats who participate in the pilot programme and how will it affect their career prospects?

Completing the European Diplomatic Academy pilot programme does not guarantee a position in the EEAS, which does not offer a job upon completion of the training. However, diplomats trained under the programme gain a unique set of skills and the necessary knowledge to work at the European level. It significantly increases their chances of success when applying for vacancies at the EEAS, at the EU Delegations or at the EU institutions. It will also help them to be immediately operational when assigned at the Permanent Representations of Member States to the EU, or at any other national position dealing with European and EU affairs.

What are the next steps?

The results of the feasibility study, as well as the lessons learned in the implementation of the first pilot phase in year 2022/23, have helped the EEAS define the most effective model for setting up a fully-fledged European Diplomatic Academy, including its legal and governance structure and budgetary needs. In this process, working towards the establishment of a fully-fledged European Diplomatic Academy, the EEAS is working closely with the European Parliament, the European Commission, the Council, and the EU Member States. A draft proposal for a Council Decision on a European Union Diplomatic Academy is currently being discussed in the Council, with the aim of launching a fully-fledged institution in spring/summer 2024.