Council extends the mandates of six EU Special Representatives

The EU Special Representatives (EUSRs) promote the EU’s policies and interests in troubled regions and countries and play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law.

The EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (HR), in the regions concerned. They play an important role in the development of a stronger and more effective EU Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and in the Union’s efforts to become a more effective, more coherent and more capable actor on the world stage. They provide the EU with an active political presence in key countries and regions, acting as a “voice” and “face” for the EU and its policies.

Special Representatives

The Council has today extended the mandates of six EU Special Representatives (EUSRs):

• Ángel Losada Fernández had his mandate as EUSR for the Sahel extended for a further 12 months, until 28 February 2021. Mr Losada Fernández was first appointed in November 2015.
• Nataliya Apostolova had her mandate as EUSR for Kosovo extended for a further 6 months, until 31 August 2020. Ms Apostolova was first appointed in August 2016.
• Alexander Rondos had his mandate as EUSR for the Horn of Africa extended for a further 6 months, until 31 August 2020. Mr Rondos was first appointed in January 2012.
• Peter Burian had his mandate as EUSR for Central Asia extended by a further 12 months, until 28 February 2021. Mr Burian was first appointed in April 2015.
• Susanna Terstal had her mandate as EUSR for the Middle East Process extended by a further 12 months until 28 February 2021. Ms Terstal was first appointed in September 2018.
• Toivo Klaar had his mandate as EUSR for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia extended for a further 12 months, until 28 February 2021. Toivo Klaar was first appointed in November 2017.

What do these representatives do?

EU Special Representatives promote the EU’s policies and interests in certain regions and countries as well as issues of particular concern or interest for the EU. They play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law. The first EUSRs were appointed in 1996. Currently, eight EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell. These are the six mentioned above and special representatives for Human Rights and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

More Information

Press Release

EU Special Representatives (EEAS Website)