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Ex-Dutch defense minister named EEAS secretary general

Politico EU Wednesday 24 June 2026, 14:28 UTC By Jacopo Barigazzi 1 min read
Key Points

BRUSSELS — Former Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren has been appointed secretary general of the External Action Service, the EU’s foreign policy wing. The move, announced in an email to staff on Wednesday afternoon, reflects the growing importance of defense-related matters in Brussels and puts an end to weeks of speculation after Belén Martínez Carbonell moved to lead the EU’s delegation in Mexico after two years in the post. This is a developing story.

BRUSSELS — Former Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren has been appointed secretary general of the External Action Service, the EU’s foreign policy wing.

The move, announced in an email to staff on Wednesday afternoon, reflects the growing importance of defense-related matters in Brussels and puts an end to weeks of speculation after Belén Martínez Carbonell moved to lead the EU’s delegation in Mexico after two years in the post.

This is a developing story.



EEAS (PERSON) BRUSSELS (LOCATION) Dutch (ORG) Kajsa Ollongren (PERSON) the External Action Service (ORG) Belén Martínez Carbonell (PERSON) EU (ORG) Mexico (LOCATION)
Originally published by Politico EU Read original →

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