New EUMM Head Appointed

Erik Høeg. Photo: EUMM

Erik Høeg, a Danish career diplomat, who served as the Acting Head of the European Union Monitoring Mission (EUMM) in Georgia since September 2017, has been appointed as the new Head of Mission.

Høeg held various positions in the Danish diplomatic service before joining the Monitoring Mission in April 2015. He will replace Kęstutis Jankauskas of Lithuania, who had held the post since December 2014.

“EUMM Georgia is an essential element in ensuring a safe and stable situation on the ground. With more than 300 staff members it represents a firm commitment by the EU to promote stability in the region. I feel truly privileged to have been appointed the new Head of EUMM Georgia. I will do my best to continue the excellent work carried out to date by the Mission,” Erik Høeg said.

The decision was adopted by the European Union Council`s Political and Security Committee on December 19.

The EU Monitoring Mission in Georgia (EUMM), which was mandated to oversee the implementation of the 2008 Russian-Georgian ceasefire agreement, has unarmed monitors on the ground, but was never allowed access to either Abkhazia or South Ossetia/Tskhinvali Region.