ABSTRACT
The historical roots of the European Union (EU) lie in the Second World War. The idea of European integration was conceived to prevent such killing and destruction from ever happening again. The European Commission is one of the most prominent institutions of the European Union. As the driving force and executive body of the EU, the Commission was created to represent the European interest common to all Member States of the Union. The European Commission is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. H. E. Dr. Benita Ferrero-Waldner is deputy chair of the Group of External Relations' Commissioners, and responsible for External Relations and European Neighbourhood Policy. She is responsible for two Commission Departments: External Relations and the Europe Aid Cooperation Office. The External Relations Commissioner co-ordinates the external relations activities of the Commission, and ensures that the Commission has a clear identity and a coherent approach in its external activities.
