German diplomat Dirk Schuebel to replace Aivo Orav as EU Special Representative for Kosovo

The Council of the European Union today appointed German diplomat Dirk Schuebel as the new European Union Special Representative for Kosovo.

According to a statement issued by the Council, Schuebel will assume office on September 1 with an initial two-year mandate. He will succeed Aivo Orav, the outgoing Head of the EU Office in Pristina.

The mandate of the EU Special Representative is focused on promoting a stable, democratic and multiethnic Kosovo by supporting its European perspective through targeted public communication and engagement on the ground.

The Special Representative’s key responsibilities include monitoring progress on political, economic and security priorities, contributing to the strengthening of human rights, the rule of law and minority protection, as well as enhancing the overall political coordination of the European Union to ensure a coherent and visible EU presence.

The mandate also includes providing political guidance at the local level to the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) and supporting the Belgrade–Pristina Dialogue with the aim of advancing regional stability and good-neighborly relations.

In addition, the Council of the European Union today extended the mandate of the EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, Luigi Soreca, for a further two years. He will remain in office until August 31, 2028, in order to ensure the continuity of the European Union’s diplomatic engagement and the effectiveness of its external action in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the statement added.