What is the main function of the European External Action Service (EEAS) according to the official documents of the EU?
option_A: Contribute coherence and coordination to the international action of the European Union.
option_B: Act as the main judicial body to resolve disputes between member states on foreign policy.
option_C: Execute joint military operations under the exclusive command of NATO.
option_D: Manage exclusively the budgets of the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP).
Explanation: 1) **Why option A is correct:** According to the official EU website on the European External Action Service (EEAS), its declared function is 'to contribute coherence and coordination to the international action of the European Union'. The Treaty of Lisbon establishes the principles that should guide the action of the EU at the international level, and the EEAS is the diplomatic arm tasked with materializing this coordination under the guidance of the High Representative. 2) **Why the incorrect options are incorrect:** - Option D is an **incorrect overgeneralization**: The EEAS supports the execution of the common foreign and security policy, but it does not 'manage exclusively' the budgets of the CFSP. The budget management of the EU involves the Commission and the Parliament, and the CFSP budget has specific sources and procedures that do not rest entirely with the EEAS. - Option B is a **confusion of institutions**: The EEAS is a diplomatic service, not a judicial body. The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) is the body responsible for resolving legal disputes, not the EEAS. - Option C is a **factual error about command**: While the EU can carry out crisis management operations (CSDP), the EEAS does not execute operations under the 'exclusive command of NATO'. The EU maintains its autonomy in decision-making and command in its own operations, and NATO is a different alliance, although they may sometimes cooperate. 3) **Quick tip:** When reading about the EEAS on the day of the exam, remember the key words 'coherence' and 'coordination'; these are its main reasons for being according to the Treaty of Lisbon and the EU's manuals.
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