The European Commission has appointed Maria Elena Despott as the new Head of its Representation in Malta, serving as the Commission’s official country representative under the political authority of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, with the effective start date to be confirmed.
A Maltese national, Ms Despott brings 17 years of experience within the European Commission, combining expertise in legal, economic, and communication affairs.
Since 2021, she has been working within the very Representation she will now lead, gaining a deep understanding of its operations and the Maltese political environment.
Her previous experience includes serving as Deputy Head of Unit, overseeing antitrust cases and policy projects in the financial services sector between 2018 and 2021.
Before joining the European Commission in 2008, Ms Despott practiced as a corporate and commercial lawyer in Maltese law firms.
Her extensive background in economic affairs, including work as a European Semester Officer, equips her to coordinate effectively with stakeholders, develop strategies to support EU policies, and facilitate communication between the European Commission and Malta.
The European Commission maintains Representations in the capitals of all EU Member States, as well as regional offices in cities including Barcelona, Bonn, Marseille, Milan, Munich, and Wroclaw.
These Representations act as the Commission’s eyes, ears, and voice on the ground, engaging with national authorities, stakeholders, and citizens, and providing accurate information about EU policies to the media and the public.
Heads of Representation are appointed by the President of the European Commission and act as her political representatives in the Member State to which they are posted.
Featured Image: European Commission Representation in Malta / Facebook
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