The entry into force of the Lisbon Treaty on 1 December 2009 altered the institutional arrangements for the external representation of the European Union. The creation of the role of High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, and the establishment of the European External Action Service ( EEAS) to support the work of the High Representative, significantly reduced the role of the rotating EU Presidency in Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) matters.The EU gained enhanced observer status at the United Nations in May 2011 when the UN General Assembly adopted Resolution A/65/276 upgrading the status of the European Union's participation in the United Nations. This resolution allows EU representatives to present common positions of the European Union to the General Assembly. The European External Action service is responsible for coordinating common positions of the European Union at the United Nations. European Union Member States coordinate closely to advance common EU positions at the United Nations.
As Presidency, Ireland has worked closely with the European External Action Service to promote greater effectiveness and coherence in EU policy at the United Nations.
