ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the evolving participation of both Portugal and the Netherlands in the European External Action Service (EEAS). It explores the issue of leadership of the European Union (EU) foreign policy as viewed from Lisbon and The Hague before discussing the Dutch concern regarding consular affairs which stands in contrast with the Portuguese perspective on the matter. Based on general foreign policy orientation and historical background, one can say that Portugal and the Netherlands share common features, assumptions and dilemmas, against the backdrop of which converging views on different aspects and issues of the EEAS should be understood. Portugal made a tangible impact on the institutionalization and reinforcement of the EU's Strategic Partnerships, while strengthening the country's imprint on EU international relations. On the European continent, the Netherlands is one of the most pro-transatlantic countries in its orientation. In Portugal, indicative of this was the merging of several programmes and the reduction of the network of diplomatic representation.
