Dirk Schuebel begins mandate as EU Ambassador in Kosovo

Dirk Schuebel assumed his duties as European Union Ambassador in Kosovo, serving as Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo and European Union Special Representative (EUSR).

A senior EU official and a German national with long-standing diplomatic experience and a career largely focused on EU foreign policy, Schuebel has previously served two ambassadorial mandates, as EU Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Belarus from 2019 to 2022 and to Moldova from 2009 to 2013. He most recently served as Head of the Russia Division at the European External Action Service.

“I am looking forward to working with Kosovo’s institutions, political actors, civil society, media and all communities to help a multi-ethnic Kosovo advance on its EU integration path on an equal footing with all other Western Balkans partners,” said Schuebel.

“I will support Kosovo’s European future. Working towards it requires a whole-of-society effort and a shared commitment to making EU integration a priority across political divides. I will also support Kosovo’s constructive engagement in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and progress towards normalisation of relations, in close cooperation with the EUSR for Dialogue Peter Sorensen.”

Expressing appreciation for Kosovo’s voluntary alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, Schuebel underlined that the European Union will continue to stand side by side with Kosovo, building on more than 25 years of support since 1999 as Kosovo’s strongest and most reliable partner and largest provider of financial assistance. The EU has provided more than €3.7 billion in assistance to Kosovo, ranging from reconstruction, institution building and the rule of law to economic development and opportunities for young people.

“Together, we can turn Kosovo’s European aspirations into tangible progress for all its people,” he added.

Schuebel called for the swift formation of institutions, which would enable the European Union to fully engage with Kosovo and provide the assistance it has available for Kosovo.

“There is an important window of opportunity ahead. For the benefit of all its people, Kosovo needs functional institutions capable of delivering the necessary reforms and making full use of the EU Growth Plan and the significant forthcoming IPA funding. Making the most of these opportunities requires political responsibility, effective institutions and a clear focus on reforms and the European integration agenda,” he said.

As EU Ambassador, Schuebel will offer the EU’s advice and support in political processes and promote overall EU political coordination in Kosovo. He will oversee the EU’s engagement and cooperation with Kosovo, including on reforms related to its EU integration path.

In exercising his duties, Ambassador Schuebel will be supported by newly appointed Deputy Head of EU in Kosovo, Alexis Hupin, and the European Union in Kosovo team.

Ambassador Schuebel’s biography is available here: https://www.eeas.europa.eu/kosovo/about-ambassador-dirk-schuebel_en