FPI works together with other services to help the EU achieve the objectives of its foreign and security policy and to pursue its interests and project its image in the world.
It does so by the financial and operational implementation in the following domains:

• Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP);
• Instrument for Stability (IfS), (crisis response and peace-building);
• Industrialised Countries Instrument (ICI);
• Election Observation Missions (EOMs);
• Press and public diplomacy (PPD).

In addition, FPI is also responsible for foreign policy regulatory instruments:

• CFSP Sanctions within the areas of competence of the European Commission (restrictive measures);
• Kimberley Process on conflict diamonds;
• Prevention of trade in goods which could be used for capital punishment or torture.

FPI acts under the authority of the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton and in close cooperation with the European External Action Service.

See an overview of FPI key activities and funding