The EEAS works under the political guidance of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission (often referred to as HR\/VP).\u00a0A \u00a0strong asset of the EEAS is its ability to work closely with the foreign and defence ministries of the member states of the European Union (EU) as well as with the EU institutions such as the European Commission, the European Council and the European Parliament. It also has a strong working relationship with the United Nations and other international and multilateral Organisations.<\/p>\n