Maltese diplomat nominated as EU's deputy head to Serbia
Julian Vassallo: 'It will be a privilege at this decisive moment'
Maltese diplomat Julian Vassallo has been nominated as Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to Serbia.
The appointment of the 54-year-old EU expert to Serbia marks another milestone for Vassallo, who served in the US, the Philippines, Belgium and North Macedonia, among other countries.
The appointment was announced by the European External Action Service (EEAS) as part of a series of senior diplomatic nominations across the European Union's global network of delegations.
With EU enlargement to the Balkans likely around 2030, Serbia is engaged in a crucial debate on where its future lies.
"China, Russia and the Gulf countries are all very present and active in Serbia, where our multipolar world is a daily reality. The EU is by far their most important economic partner, but EU membership is also about values and the rule of law," Vassallo said.
"We Maltese know the Serbs as strong, proud and competent people. It will be a privilege to help steer the 120-strong EU delegation in Belgrade at this decisive moment."
The Sliema-born lawyer served at both Malta’s Permanent Representation to the European Union in Brussels and Malta’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in New York.
He later joined the office of former EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Javier Solana, where he worked on foreign policy and Mediterranean affairs.
In 2006, he was appointed head of the European Parliament Information Office in Malta.
Vassallo went on to join the EEAS, the EU's diplomatic corps, where he has held a number of senior positions.
Currently based in Brussels, Vassallo serves as team leader in the United Kingdom Division within the EEAS.
He was recently appointed to the EU team to Greenland following Donald Trump's threats.