The DG was merged into the European External Action Service in 2010, then headed by High Representative Catherine Ashton.
Prior to O'Sullivan taking over, the director-general was Eneko Landaburu (2003–2009), then João Vale de Almeida (2009–2010).
[2] This was in preparation for the merger as not all foreign policy DGs were to be merged but elements of a number.
A minor turf war erupted as the Commission attempted to retain control of certain policy areas in the face of EEAS' consolidation.
Those areas of RELEX that the commission retains but needs close cooperation with the EEAS were established in a new DG, the Foreign Policy Instruments Service.