EC: João Vale de Almeida appointed Director-General for External Relations (DG RELEX)

The European Commission has appointed Mr João Vale de Almeida as Director-General of the Directorate-General for External Relations (DG RELEX).

A Commission press release said Mr Vale de Almeida would be responsible for overall management of the External Relations DG. He will lead the DG in its work of formulating an effective external relations policy for the European Union, maintaining relations with international organisations, and managing the European Neighbourhood Policy.

Mr Vale de Almeida, a 52-year-old Portuguese Commission senior official, is since November 2004 the head of President José Manuel Barroso's cabinet. He is also President Barroso's permanent personal representative to the G8 and to the G20.  

On the other hand, the European Commission has appointed Stefano Sannino as Deputy Director General of the Directorate-General for External Relations (DG RELEX).