About the Ambassador

Gilles Bertrand is the Ambassador of the European Union to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela. He took up his post in Caracas in September 2026 and presented his credentials to the Acting President on 28 October of the same year.

Ambassador Bertrand brings to his new assignment extensive experience in European diplomacy. He held several positions in the European External Action Service (EEAS) covering the Middle East, the Mediterranean, Latin America and Asia. Among other roles, he served as EU Ambassador to Colombia (2021–25) and Chargé d'Affaires for Syria (2019–21). Before arriving in Caracas, he was the EU Special Representative for Afghanistan and was also in charge of relations with Pakistan (2025–26).

The upgrading of relations to ambassadorial level, for the first time since 2021, opens a new chapter in bilateral relations between the European Union and Venezuela, strengthening institutional presence and opening new opportunities for dialogue and for economic and political co-operation. This step reaffirms the European Union’s close bonds and longstanding commitment to Venezuela and its people. This enduring support has been particularly prominent in times of crisis, as shown by the EU’s emergency assistance following the earthquakes of June 2026.