BRUSSELS, July 13 (BV) – The European Union on Monday appointed German diplomat Dirk Schübel as its new Special Representative for Kosovo, replacing Aivo Orav from Sept. 1, while extending the mandates of its envoys for Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Horn of Africa.
Schübel, currently head of the Russia Division at the European External Action Service (EEAS), will serve an initial two-year mandate. He brings extensive diplomatic experience, having previously served as EU ambassador to Belarus and Moldova, as well as EU Special Envoy for the Eastern Partnership.
As EU Special Representative, Schübel will be tasked with promoting a stable, democratic and multi-ethnic Kosovo, supporting its European integration, strengthening the rule of law, protecting human rights and minority rights, and coordinating the EU’s political presence in the territory.
His mandate also includes providing political guidance to the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and supporting the EU-facilitated dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina aimed at improving relations and regional stability.
The Council of the European Union also extended the mandate of Luigi Soreca as EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina until Aug. 31, 2028, while Annette Weber will remain the EU’s Special Representative for the Horn of Africa until Aug. 31, 2027.
EU Special Representatives serve as senior diplomatic envoys, promoting the bloc’s foreign policy priorities in regions of strategic importance and supporting reforms, stability and the rule of law.