In the Common Foreign and Security Policy the rotating chair is replaced by the long-term chairmanship of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR), while other areas of EU external relations remain with the rotating presidency. This contribution first examines the historical development of the Presidency in EU external relations. In line with the focus of this special issue it pays special attention to the position of the Presidency vis-à-vis other institutional players. Secondly, it examines the post-Lisbon situation. The double hat of the HR as chair of the Foreign Affairs Council and Vice President of the European Commission radically affects inter-institutional relations. While the HR may bring more continuity and leadership, the position also raises new coordination challenges : not only within the Council and amongst various institutions, but also amongst different dimensions of EU external relations.