Dear Visitor, 

Thank you for taking the time to visit our website. I feel extremely privileged to have been chosen to be the European Union’s Ambassador to the State of Israel, a role that I began on 1 September 2025. I first visited the country in 2011, when I was the Chief Spokesperson for Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission. I have remained fascinated by the country and the Middle East ever since. 

Since then, my career in the EU’s diplomatic service has seen me leading the Strategic Communications department, spending three years as EU Ambassador in Iceland and two years as the EU Special Envoy for the Arctic. In 2022, I took over as head of the department responsible for Israel, the occupied Palestinian territory and the Middle East Peace Process, a role in which I contributed to the EU’s response to the horrific, brutal and indiscriminate attack on Israel by Hamas and other groups on 7 October 2023, and the following devastating war in Gaza. 

For the EU, Israel’s security is non-negotiable. At the same time, we remain committed to a two-state solution with an independent, democratic, viable and contiguous Palestinian state living side-by-side in peace and security with Israel and its other neighbours. Despite the terrible events of 7 October and the conflicts on many fronts which have followed, I still believe that peace is possible and look forward to contributing to our joint efforts to rebuild a meaningful political process. 

My many visits have shown me that Israel is both a vibrant, modern, and innovative country, but also traditional, complex and deeply fascinating. I already have many friends here and am looking forward to travelling across the country to meet Israelis from all walks of life. 

The EU and Israel are not only close neighbours, but also close partners. We are connected by a shared history, common values and joint interests. Our unique relationship is deep and complex and often evokes strong emotions. I will engage with all sections of Israeli society and listen to all opinions, including critical ones. As in all healthy relationships, there can always be disagreements. But I am sure that Israelis share my belief that a strong EU-Israel relationship is crucial for both sides. I will work tirelessly to further strengthen our relations.

Michael Mann