The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR) stands as a critical component of the U.S. Department of State, tasked with managing and directing the intricate web of foreign relations across a vast and geopolitically significant region. While the term “Euro Pra Real” might evoke thoughts of currency exchange and financial markets, the EUR’s mission is deeply rooted in diplomacy, policy coordination, and the advancement of U.S. interests within Europe and Eurasia. This document, derived from the Foreign Affairs Manual, delves into the organizational structure and responsibilities of this bureau, offering insights into its multifaceted operations.
The Assistant Secretary: Leadership and Coordination
At the helm of the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs is the Assistant Secretary, a key figure reporting directly to the Under Secretary for Political Affairs. This position carries a broad spectrum of responsibilities, extending beyond geographical boundaries to encompass crucial international organizations.
Key Responsibilities of the Assistant Secretary:
- Geographic and Organizational Oversight: The Assistant Secretary is responsible for U.S. foreign relations with countries within the European and Eurasian region, as detailed in 1 FAM Exhibit 141.1. This oversight extends to relationships with major international bodies such as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), and the European Union (EU), among others (see 1 FAM 112).
- Bureau Management: A significant aspect of the role involves substantive and coordinating responsibility for the entire Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (1 FAM 140).
- Administrative Duties: The Assistant Secretary also undertakes the general administrative responsibilities inherent in managing a regional bureau, as outlined in 1 FAM 110.
Organizational Structure: A Hierarchical Framework
The Bureau operates through a structured hierarchy, ensuring efficient management and focused expertise across various domains.
Reporting Offices: Deputy Assistants, Executive Director, and Special Assistants
Several key offices report directly to the Assistant Secretary, contributing to the bureau’s operational effectiveness:
- Deputy Assistant Secretaries: These deputies oversee specific offices, as directed by the Assistant Secretary, contributing to the distributed leadership within the bureau. The organizational chart at 1 FAM Exhibit 141.2 provides a visual representation of these reporting lines. Further details on Deputy Assistant Secretaries can be found in 1 FAM 113.
- Executive Director (EUR-IO/EX): The Joint Executive Office, led by the Executive Director, provides crucial support to both the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs and the Bureau of International Organization Affairs. More information on the Executive Director’s role is available in 1 FAM 116.
- Special Assistant: This role is pivotal in supporting the Assistant Secretary with policy coordination, workflow management, and travel logistics. The special assistant also supervises staff assistants, ensuring smooth operational flow. 1 FAM 110 provides additional context on common responsibilities within regional bureaus.
- Staff Assistants: Acting as aides to both the Assistant Secretary and bureau officers, staff assistants are integral to the daily operations. 1 FAM 117 details the responsibilities of a Staff Assistant to the Assistant Secretary.
Special Advisors: Focused Expertise
The Bureau also benefits from the counsel of Special Advisers, who provide specialized expertise in key areas.
Coordinator for Assistance and Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues
- Office of the Coordinator of U.S. Assistance for Europe and Eurasia (EUR/ACE): This office is led by the Coordinator, who oversees U.S. assistance programs for Europe and Eurasia. The Coordinator’s role is defined by legislation such as the Support for East European Democracy (SEED) Act and the Freedom for Russia and Emerging Eurasia Democracies and Open Markets (FREEDOM) Support Act. Key functions include designing assistance strategies, coordinating with government agencies and international organizations, ensuring program oversight, resolving policy disputes, and directing strategic planning and budget allocation.
- Office of the Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues (EUR/SEHI): The Special Envoy for Holocaust Issues is responsible for developing and implementing policies related to Holocaust-era assets, compensation, education, and remembrance. This office also plays a crucial role in combating anti-Semitism and participates in international bodies such as the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance. Furthermore, the Special Envoy engages with international funds and commissions related to Holocaust-era issues.
Office Directors: Regional and Functional Expertise
Office Directors are central to the Bureau’s operational structure, each responsible for specific countries or functional areas.
Core Responsibilities of Office Directors:
- Coordination and Implementation: Office directors serve as the primary point of contact for coordinating U.S. government activities within their assigned countries or regions. This includes interdepartmental planning, decision implementation, and crisis management. They also engage with the National Security Council-Interdepartmental Group (NSC-IG) on relevant matters.
- Guidance for Foreign Service Posts: Providing direction to Foreign Service establishments in their assigned regions is a key responsibility. This involves ensuring a consistent flow of information regarding U.S. policies and diplomatic activities.
- Ambassadorial Support: Office directors are tasked with supporting ambassadors and ensuring that missions receive the necessary resources and support from Washington D.C.
- Foreign Mission Liaison: Maintaining relationships with foreign missions in the United States also falls under their purview.
- Foreign Service Reporting Guidance: Providing regular guidance on reporting protocols for the Foreign Service is another essential function.
Regional and Functional Offices:
The Bureau is further divided into offices focusing on specific geographic regions and functional areas:
- Office of Caucasus Affairs and Regional Conflicts (EUR/CARC): Focuses on Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and supports related diplomatic initiatives.
- Office of Central European Affairs (EUR/CE): Covers Austria, Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland.
- Office of Eastern European Affairs (EUR/EE): Responsible for Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine.
- Office of European Union and Regional Affairs (EUR/ERA): Develops policy and coordinates actions related to the European Union and the Council of Europe, addressing issues from trade to security.
- Office of Northern European, Baltic, and Arctic Security Affairs (EUR/NBA): Handles Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, and Arctic security policy.
- Office of Policy and Global Issues (EUR/PGI): Serves as a liaison with other Department bureaus on global issues impacting Europe and Eurasia, including counterterrorism, human rights, and democracy. This office also manages Congressional relations, UN issues, strategic planning, and outreach to diaspora communities.
- Office of Press and Public Diplomacy (EUR/PPD): Focuses on public understanding and support for U.S. foreign policy in Europe and Eurasia through public messaging and engagement strategies. It also advises on public reaction to policies and manages public diplomacy resources.
- Office of Policy and Regional Affairs (EUR/PRA): Acts as the primary liaison with bureaus focused on arms control, international security, and political-military affairs. This office develops policy on security assistance, arms sales, nuclear issues, and related security matters, including NATO coordination.
- Office of European Security and Political Affairs (EUR/RPM): Develops policy on U.S. security interests in Europe, particularly related to NATO and OSCE. It serves as a central coordination point for European security policy within the State Department.
- Office of Russian Affairs (EUR/RUS): Specifically responsible for relations with the Russian Federation.
- Office of South Central European Affairs (EUR/SCE): Covers Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia.
- Office of Southern European Affairs (EUR/SE): Deals with Cyprus, Greece, Malta, and Turkey.
- Office of Western European Affairs (EUR/WE): Responsible for Andorra, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, Netherlands, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, and The Vatican.
Authorities: Legal Foundation
The Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs operates under the authority derived from 22 U.S.C. 2651a and 22 U.S.C. 2656. These statutes grant the Secretary of State the general powers necessary for managing the Department and conducting U.S. foreign relations.
EUR Representation: Countries and International Organizations
1 FAM Exhibit 141.1 provides a comprehensive list of countries and international organizations with which EUR maintains representation. This includes a wide array of European and Eurasian nations, alongside key international organizations like NATO, OECD, OSCE, and the EU.
Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs (EUR) Organizational Chart
1 FAM Exhibit 141.2 offers a visual representation of the Bureau’s organizational structure, clarifying the reporting relationships and office hierarchy within EUR.
In conclusion, the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs is a complex and vital entity within the U.S. Department of State. While its operations are far removed from the daily fluctuations of “euro pra real” currency exchange, its work profoundly impacts international relations, security, and policy across a critical global region. Understanding its structure and responsibilities is essential for grasping the intricacies of U.S. foreign policy and its execution in Europe and Eurasia.
