Dirk Schuebel begins mandate as EU Ambassador to Kosovo, calls for swift formation of institutions

Dirk Schuebel has assumed his duties as European Union Ambassador to Kosovo, serving as Head of the European Union Office in Kosovo and EU Special Representative, the EU Office in Pristina announced. Schuebel said that he would support Kosovo’s European future and called for institutions to be formed as soon as possible.

Schuebel is a senior EU official and German national with extensive diplomatic experience and a career focused primarily on EU foreign policy.

“I look forward to working with Kosovo’s institutions, political actors, civil society, the media and all communities to help a multiethnic Kosovo advance on its path toward EU integration, on an equal footing with all other Western Balkan partners,” Schuebel said.

He previously served as EU Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation to Belarus from 2019 to 2022 and to Moldova from 2009 to 2013. In his most recent position, he headed the Russia Division at the European External Action Service.

“I will support Kosovo’s European future. Working to achieve it requires a whole-of-society effort and a shared commitment to making EU integration a priority, regardless of political divisions. I will also support Kosovo’s constructive engagement in the EU-facilitated Belgrade-Pristina Dialogue and progress toward the normalization of relations, in close cooperation with EU Special Representative for the Dialogue Peter Sorensen,” he stressed.

Expressing appreciation for Kosovo’s voluntary alignment with the EU’s Common Foreign and Security Policy, Schuebel stressed that the European Union would continue to stand by Kosovo, building on more than 25 years of support since 1999, as its strongest and most reliable partner and largest provider of financial assistance, the statement said.

The EU has provided Kosovo with more than €3.7 billion in assistance, ranging from reconstruction, institution-building and the rule of law to economic development and opportunities for young people.
Schuebel called for institutions to be formed as soon as possible, which would enable the European Union to engage fully with Kosovo and provide the assistance available to it.

“An important window of opportunity lies ahead. For the benefit of all its citizens, Kosovo needs functioning institutions capable of implementing the necessary reforms and making full use of the EU Growth Plan and the substantial IPA funding that will soon become available. Seizing 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 provide EU 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 reforms related to its path toward EU integration.

In carrying out his duties, Schuebel will be assisted by the newly appointed Deputy Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Alexis Hupin, the EU Office in Kosovo said.