The EU's new envoy to Afghanistan, Lithuanian diplomat Vygaudas Usackas, has said he aims to demonstrate that new member states are up to handling the bloc's top overseas postings.
"This appointment will be closely followed in Brussels. I feel an additional responsibility to prove to some hesitant colleagues in the EU community that the new member states can carry a heavy weight," he told EUobserver in a phone interview on Tuesday (23 February).
"By taking such a high profile job ...
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Already a member? Login hereAndrew Rettman is EUobserver's foreign editor, writing about foreign and security issues since 2005. He is Polish, but grew up in the UK, and lives in Brussels. He has also written for The Guardian, The Times of London, and Intelligence Online.
Andrew Rettman is EUobserver's foreign editor, writing about foreign and security issues since 2005. He is Polish, but grew up in the UK, and lives in Brussels. He has also written for The Guardian, The Times of London, and Intelligence Online.