European Union Special Representative#Middle east
{{Short description|Emissary of the European Union}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2023}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
The European Union Special Representatives (EUSR) are emissaries of the European Union with specific tasks abroad. While the EU's ambassadors are responsible for affairs with a single country, Special Representatives tackle specific issues, conflict areas or regions of countries. They answer directly to the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, currently Kaja Kallas.
Current SRs by region
= Europe =
== Bosnia and Herzegovina ==
Peter Sørensen took over the position of EUSR in Bosnia and Herzegovina with a mandate from 1 September 2011 until 30 June 2015.{{CELEX|32011D0426|text=COUNCIL DECISION 2011/426/CFSP of 18 July 2011 appointing the European Union Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina}} His post was de-coupled from the one of High Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina (which remained in the hands of Valentin Inzko), aiming at fostering the EU pre-accession strategy for Bosnia and Herzegovina.{{cite web
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url = http://www.bh-news.com/en/vijest_det.php?vid=3717&r=1
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title = Inzko welcomes nomination of Peter Sørenesen as Head of EU Delegation
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date = 30 May 2011
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work = BH-news
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access-date = 25 September 2017
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archive-date = 20 March 2012
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archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120320091453/http://www.bh-news.com/en/vijest_det.php?vid=3717&r=1
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url-status = bot: unknown
}} However, in November 2014, Sørensen became Head of the EU Delegation in Geneva, leaving the EUSR BiH post vacant."[http://www.eeas.europa.eu/statements/docs/2014/140905_01_en.pdf High Representative Catherine Ashton appoints six new Heads of EU Delegation to Japan, UN Geneva, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mozambique, and the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.]" EEAS press release. Retrieved 2014-12-04 Lars-Gunnar Wigemark was appointed as the EUSR in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1 March 2015 until 31 October 2015.{{CELEX|32015D0970|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2015/970 of 22 June 2015 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina}} His mandate was extended until 30 June 2018{{CELEX|32017D0380|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/380 of 3 March 2017 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process (MEPP)}} and again until 31 August 2019.{{CELEX|32018D0908|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/908 of 25 June 2018 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina}} Johann Sattler replaced him in 2019, with a mandate from 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2023.{{CELEX|32021D1193|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/1193 of 19 July 2021 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina and amending Decision (CFSP) 2019/1340}} His mandate was extended until 31 August 2024.{{cite web | url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023D1516&qid=1710976648153 | title=Decision - 2023/1516 - EN - EUR-Lex }} Luigi Soreca is the current Special Representative, serving since 1 September 2024.{{cite web |title=Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/2081 of 26 July 2024 appointing the European Union Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina |url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024D2081&qid=1722254123556 |language=en |date=26 July 2024}}
== Kosovo ==
Tomáš Szunyog was appointed as Special Representative in Kosovo on 30 July 2020.{{Cite press release| date= 30 July 2020|title=Kosovo: Tomáš Szunyog appointed as new EU Special Representative|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/07/30/kosovo-tomas-szunyog-appointed-as-new-eu-special-representative/|access-date=2023-02-01|website=Council of the European Union }} His mandate runs from 1 September 2020 until 31 August 2023.{{CELEX|32021D1194|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/1194 of 19 July 2021 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.) and amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/1135}} His mandate was extended until 31 August 2024.{{cite web | url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023D1527&qid=1710976648153 | title=Decision - 2023/1527 - FR - EUR-Lex }}
== South Caucasus and the Crisis in Georgia ==
{{See also|EU Strategy for the South Caucasus}}
Toivo Klaar was appointed Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia on 13 November 2017. His mandate was extended until 29 February 2020,{{CELEX|32018D0907|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/907 of 25 June 2018 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia}} and again until 28 February 2021.{{CELEX|32020D0254|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/254 of 25 February 2020 amending Decision (CFSP) 2018/907 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia}} His mandate was again extended until 28 February 2022,{{CELEX|32021D0285|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/285 of 22 February 2021 amending decision (CFSP) 2018/907 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia}} and then again until 31 August 2022,{{CELEX|32022D0251|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/251 of 21 February 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2018/907 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia}} and then again until 31 August 2023.{{CELEX|32022D1237|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1237 of 18 July 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2018/907 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia}} and then until 31 August 2024.{{cite web | url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023D1528&qid=1710976648153 | title=Decision - 2023/1528 - FR - EUR-Lex }} Magdalena Grono was appointed Special Representative on 1 November 2024.[https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/09/02/president-of-the-european-council-charles-michel-welcomes-the-appointment-of-his-chief-diplomatic-advisor-magdalena-grono-as-the-european-union-special-representative-for-the-south-caucasus-and-the-crisis-in-georgia/ President of the European Council Charles Michel welcomes the appointment of his Chief Diplomatic Advisor Magdalena Grono as the European Union Special Representative for the South Caucasus and the crisis in Georgia]
== Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues ==
On 3 April 2020, Miroslav Lajčák was appointed by the EU Council as Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues. His 12-month mandate includes the tasks to achieve comprehensive normalisation of the relations between Serbia and Kosovo, improve good neighbourly relations and reconciliation between partners in the Western Balkans, helping them overcome the legacy of the past, and contribute to the consistency and effectiveness of EU action in the Western Balkans.{{Cite press release| date= 3 April 2020|title=Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue: EU appoints a new Special Representative|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/04/03/belgrade-pristina-dialogue-eu-appoints-a-new-special-representative/|access-date=2023-02-01|website=Council of the European Union }} His mandate runs from 2 April 2020 until 31 August 2022.{{CELEX|32021D0470|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/470 of 18 March 2021 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/489 appointing the European Union Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues}} His mandate was renewed until 31 August 2024.{{CELEX|32022D1240|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1240 of 18 July 2022 amending Decision (CFSP) 2020/489 appointing the European Union Special Representative for the Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and other Western Balkan regional issues}}
= Asia =
== Central Asia ==
Terhi Hakala is the Special Representative for Central Asia.{{Cite press release| date= 21 June 2021|title=Council appoints three new EU special representatives for the Sahel, Central Asia and the Horn of Africa|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/06/21/council-appoints-three-new-eu-special-representatives-for-the-sahel-central-asia-and-the-horn-of-africa/|access-date=2023-02-01|website=Council of the European Union }} Her mandate is to promote good relations between the EU and central Asian countries and to strengthen stability, cooperation, democracy and respect for human rights in the region. In particular, the EU Special Representative will co-ordinate EU action in central Asia and oversee the implementation of the EU Strategy for central Asia. Her mandate runs from 1 July 2021 to 28 February 2023. Her mandate was extended to 28 February 2025.{{CELEX|32023D0260|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/260 of 6 February 2023 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for Central Asia and amending Decision (CFSP) 2021/1013}}
== Gulf ==
On 1 June 2023, Luigi Di Maio, former Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs, was appointed Special Representative of the European Union for the Persian Gulf.[https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/via-libera-consiglio-ue-di-maio-inviato-golfo-AEA89fTD Via libera del Consiglio Ue a Di Maio inviato nel Golfo]. Il Sole 24 Ore His aims will be to further develop a stronger, comprehensive and more strategic EU partnership with the countries in the Gulf region. He will also contribute to the stability and security of the region by engaging and supporting dialogue and long-term regional solutions with individual Gulf partners and relevant regional organisations.[https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/05/15/eu-appoints-a-new-special-representative-for-the-gulf-region/ EU appoints a new Special Representative for the Gulf region]. European Council His mandate initially run until 28 February 2025,{{cite web | url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32023D0963&qid=1710976648153 | title=Decision - 2023/963 - FR - EUR-Lex }} but, in January 2025, Borrell's successor Kaja Kallas confirmed Di Maio as Special Representative for two more years.[https://www.ilfattoquotidiano.it/2025/01/15/di-maio-riconfermato-inviato-ue-golfo/7837551/ Di Maio riconfermato inviato Ue per il Golfo: rimarrà altri due anni. Kallas: “Lavoro eccellente”. E Meloni non si è opposta]. Il Fatto Quotidiano
== Middle East ==
{{See also|Palestine–European Union relations}}
Sven Koopmans has been appointed Special Representative for the Middle East peace process. His mandate runs from 1 May 2021 until 28 February 2023.{{CELEX|32021D0710|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/710 of 29 April 2021 appointing the European Union Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process}} Between 2017 and 2021 "he was a Member of Parliament in the Netherlands, where he was spokesperson on foreign affairs and head of delegation in the NATO Parliamentary Assembly."{{cite web|title=New EU Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process appointed |url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/04/29/new-eu-special-representative-for-the-middle-east-peace-process-appointed/|publisher = EU|date = 29 April 2021}} The mandate of the Special Representative is based on the EU's policy objectives regarding the Middle East peace process, which include a two-State solution with Israel and a democratic, contiguous, viable, peaceful and sovereign Palestinian State living side by side within secure and recognised borders enjoying normal relations with their neighbours in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions 242, 338, 1397 and 1402 and the principles of the Madrid Conference. His mandate was extended until 28 February 2025.{{CELEX|32023D0258|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2023/258 of 6 February 2023 extending the mandate of European Union Special Representative for the Middle East Peace Process and amending Decision (CFSP) 2021/710}}
= Africa =
==Horn of Africa (incl. the region of Sudan)==
Annette Weber was appointed Special Representative for the Horn of Africa on 1 July 2021.{{Cite press release| date= 21 June 2021|title=Council appoints three new EU special representatives for the Sahel, Central Asia and the Horn of Africa|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/06/21/council-appoints-three-new-eu-special-representatives-for-the-sahel-central-asia-and-the-horn-of-africa/|access-date=2023-02-01|website=Council of the European Union }} Her mandate runs until 31 August 2022.{{CELEX|32021D1012|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2021/1012 of 21 June 2021 appointing the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa}} Her mandate was extended until 31 August 2024.{{CELEX|32022D1238|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2022/1238 of 18 July 2022 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative for the Horn of Africa and amending Decision (CFSP) 2021/1012}}
==Sahel==
João Gomes Cravinho was appointed as the Special Representative for the Sahel on 18 November 2024, succeeding Emanuela Claudia Del Re, whose mandate started in June 2021.{{Cite press release| date= 18 November 2024|title=Sahel: EU appoints João Cravinho as new Special Representative for the Sahel region|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/11/18/sahel-eu-appoints-joao-cravinho-as-new-special-representative-for-the-sahel-region/|access-date=2024-12-02|website=Council of the European Union }} His inititial mandate will run for 21 months, until 31 August 2026.{{Cite press release| date= 18 November 2024|title=Sahel: EU appoints João Cravinho as new Special Representative for the Sahel region|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2024/11/18/sahel-eu-appoints-joao-cravinho-as-new-special-representative-for-the-sahel-region/|access-date=2024-12-02|website=Council of the European Union }}
= Global =
==Human Rights==
A long-standing request{{cite web |url=http://www.theparliament.com/latest-news/article/newsarticle/former-mep-chosen-as-eus-new-human-rights-envoy/#.UBJekNnOQrA |title=Former MEP chosen as EU's new human rights envoy |website=theparliament.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120730004406/http://www.theparliament.com/latest-news/article/newsarticle/former-mep-chosen-as-eus-new-human-rights-envoy |archive-date=30 July 2012}} for a representative that would be in charge of enhancing the effectiveness and visibility of EU's human rights policy, based on the Strategic Framework and Action Plan on Human Rights and Democracy (officially adopted on 25 June 2012),{{cite web|url=http://www.neurope.eu/article/eu-appoints-human-rights-chief|title=EU appoints Human Rights chief|date=26 July 2012}} led to the creation of the post of the Special Representative of the European Union for Human Rights. The post, which is providing a strong, independent, flexible and sufficiently broad mandate, is aiming to cover fields such as the strengthening of democracy, International justice, humanitarian law and the abolition of the death penalty.
On 26 February 2024, Olof Skoog was appointed as the European Union Special Representative for human rights, with a mandate from 1 March 2024 until 28 February 2026.{{cite web | url=https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=CELEX%3A32024D0758&qid=1710976648153 | title=Decision - CFSP - 2024/758 - FR - EUR-Lex }}
Previous SRs
The table below is based on official sources provided by the EU.{{cite web|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/policies/eu-special-representatives/former-special-representatives/index_en.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130406132336/http://eeas.europa.eu/policies/eu-special-representatives/former-special-representatives/index_en.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 April 2013|title=About the European External Action Service (EEAS) |website=EEAS }}{{cite web|url=http://eur-lex.europa.eu/|title=EUR-Lex – Access to European Union law – choose your language|website=eur-lex.europa.eu}}{{nonspecific| date=July 2023}}
| class="wikitable" |
| Scope
! Representative(s) ! Term(s) |
|---|
| rowspan=5 | Afghanistan
| 10 December 2001 – 30 June 2002 |
| Francesc Vendrell
| 1 July 2002 – 31 August 2008 |
| Ettore Francesco Sequi (also for Pakistan from 15 June 2009)
| 1 September 2008 – 31 March 2010 |
| Vygaudas Ušackas
| 1 April 2010 – 31 August 2013 |
| Franz-Michael Skjold Mellbin (also EU Ambassador to Afghanistan)
| 1 September 2013 – 31 August 2017 |
| rowspan=2| African Great Lakes Region
| Aldo Ajello (initially as Special Envoy) | 25 March 1996 – 28 February 2007 |
| Roeland van de Geer (nl)
| 1 March 2007 – 31 August 2011 |
| rowspan=2 |African Union
| 6 December 2007 – 31 October 2011 |
| Gary Quince (remains head of the EU Delegation to the AU)
| 1 November 2011 – 30 June 2014 |
| rowspan=8 | Bosnia and Herzegovina
| Lord Ashdown (also High Representative) | 3 June 2002 – 31 January 2006 |
| Christian Schwarz-Schilling (also High Representative)
| 1 February 2006 – 30 June 2007 |
| Miroslav Lajčák (also High Representative)
| 1 July 2007 – 28 February 2009 |
| Valentin Inzko (also High Representative)
| 1 March 2009 – 31 August 2011 |
| Peter Sørensen (also EU Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina)
| 1 September 2011 – 31 October 2014 |
| Lars-Gunnar Wigemark (also EU Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina)
| 1 March 2015 – 31 August 2019 |
| Johann Sattler (also EU Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina)
| 1 September 2019 – 31 August 2024 |
| Luigi Soreca (also EU Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina)
| 1 September 2024 – present |
| rowspan=4 | Central Asia
| 28 July 2005 – 5 July 2006 |
| Pierre Morel
| 5 October 2006 – 30 June 2012 |
| Patricia Flor
| 1 July 2012 – 30 June 2014 |
| Peter Burian
| 15 April 2015 – 30 June 2021 |
| Georgia crisis
| Pierre Morel | 25 September 2008 – 31 August 2011 |
| Horn of Africa
| 1 January 2012 – 30 June 2021 |
| rowspan=2 |Human rights (worldwide)
| 1 September 2012 – 28 February 2019 |
| Eamon Gilmore
| 1 March 2019 - 29 February 2024 |
| rowspan=5 | Kosovo
| Wolfgang Petritsch (Special Envoy) | 5 October 1998 – 29 July 1999 |
| Pieter Feith
| 4 February 2008 – 30 April 2011 |
| Fernando Gentilini
| 1 May 2011 – 31 January 2012 |
| Samuel Žbogar
| 1 February 2012 – 31 August 2016 |
| Nataliya Apostolova
| 1 September 2016{{CELEX|32016D1338|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2016/1338 of 4 August 2016 amending Decision (CFSP) 2015/2052 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.)}}{{CELEX|32017D0348|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/348 of 27 February 2017 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244(1999) and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.)}}{{CELEX|32018D0903|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2018/903 of 25 June 2018 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244/1999 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.)}} – 31 August 2020{{CELEX|32020D0249|text=Council Decision (CFSP) 2020/249 of 25 February 2020 amending Decision (CFSP) 2018/903 extending the mandate of the European Union Special Representative in Kosovo (This designation is without prejudice to positions on status, and is in line with UNSCR 1244 (1999) and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.}} |
| rowspan=6 | Republic of Macedonia
| 29 June 2001 – 29 October 2001 |
| Alain Le Roy
| 29 October 2001 – 28 February 2002 |
| Alexis Brouhns
| 30 September 2002 – 31 December 2003 |
| Søren Jessen-Petersen
| 26 January 2004 – 30 June 2004 |
| Michael Sahlin
| 12 July 2004 – 31 August 2005 |
| Erwan Fouéré
| 17 October 2005 – 31 August 2011 |
| rowspan=5 | Middle East peace process
| 25 November 1996 – 31 May 2002 |
| Marc Otte
| 14 July 2003 – 28 February 2011 |
| Andreas Reinicke
| 1 February 2012 – 31 December 2013 |
| Fernando Gentilini
| 15 April 2015 – 30 June 2018 |
| Susanna Terstal
| 18 September 2018 – 30 April 2021 |
| rowspan=2 | Moldova
| Adriaan Jacobovits de Szeged | 23 March 2005 – 28 February 2007 |
| Kálmán Mizsei
| 1 March 2007 – 28 February 2011 |
| rowspan=2 |Sahel
| Michel Reveyrand-de Menthon (fr) | 18 March 2013 – 31 October 2015 |
| Ángel Losada Fernández (es)
| 1 November 2015 – 30 June 2021 |
| rowspan=4 | South Caucasus
| 1 July 2003 – 28 February 2006 |
| Peter Semneby
| 1 March 2006 – 28 February 2011 |
| Philippe Lefort (also for Georgia crisis)
| 1 September 2011 – 30 June 2014 |
| Herbert Salber (also for Georgia crisis)
| 1 July 2014 – 15 August 2017 |
| Royaumont Process
| Panagiotis Roumeliotis | 31 May 1999 – 31 May 2000 |
| Southern Mediterranean
|18 July 2011 – 30 June 2014 |
| rowspan=2 | (Special) Coordinator of the Stability Pact for South Eastern Europe
| 2 July 1999 – 31 December 2001 |
| Erhard Busek
| 1 January 2002 – 30 June 2008 |
| rowspan=3 | Sudan
| 18 July 2005 – 30 April 2007 |
| Torben Brylle
| 1 May 2007 – 31 August 2010 |
| Rosalind Marsden (also for South Sudan since 1 August 2011)
| 1 September 2010 – 31 October 2013 |
| Federal Republic of Yugoslavia
| 8 June 1998 – 11 October 1999 |
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.consilium.europa.eu/policies/foreign-policy/eu-special-representatives.aspx?lang=en Official list of EU Special Representatives] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120829235149/http://www.consilium.europa.eu/policies/foreign-policy/eu-special-representatives.aspx?lang=en |date=29 August 2012 }}
- [https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/eu-special-representatives_en Official list of current EU Special Representatives]
- [http://eeas.europa.eu/background/eu-special-representatives/former-special-representatives/index_en.htm Official list of former EU Special Representatives]
- [https://web.archive.org/web/20120807165315/http://soc.kuleuven.be/iieb/eufp/content/special-representatives Exploring EU Foreign Policy, the EUSR], Leuven Catholic University
- Giovanni Grevi, [https://web.archive.org/web/20120328044319/http://www.iss.europa.eu/uploads/media/chai106.pdf The EU Special Representatives], Chaillot Paper nb. 106, Institute for Security Studies of the European Union, Paris, 2007
- Cornelius Adebahr, [http://www.epc.eu/documents/uploads/pub_1216_working_inside_out.pdf Working inside out: what role for Special Envoys in the European External Action Service?], EPC Policy Brief, January 2011
- Dominik Tolksdorf, [http://www.ies.be/files/2012-02%20PB_0.pdf The Role of EU Special Representatives in the post-Lisbon foreign policy system: A renaissance?], IES Policy Brief, Brussels, June 2012
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