Today, Commission decided to transfer in the interest of the service Zacharias Giakoumis as new Head of Representation in Athens, Greece. In this function, he will act as the official representative of the European Commission in Greece under the political authority of President Ursula von der Leyen. The date of effect for this appointment will be determined later.
Mr Giakoumis brings 20 years of professional experience in the European institutions, with a strong background in management, communication, crisis management, civil protection, external affairs, interinstitutional relations and negotiations. Thanks to his ability to build and manage teams, to navigate a dynamic communication environment and to develop productive relations with a wide range of stakeholders, he ensured the effective promotion of the EU's humanitarian and civil protection action. All of this is complemented with a sharp knowledge of Greece's political landscape, fundamental to advance in our EU-Greece relations. The sum of all of these skills equips him to lead the Representation effectively, advancing the Commission's priorities and strengthening its visibility and partnership in Greece.
Mr Giakoumis, a Greek and Cypriot national, is serving since 2023 as Head of Unit in charge of Communication, events and briefings at the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (DG ECHO). Prior to this, he worked as Policy Assistant to the Director-General of DG ECHO. Before this, he worked as Member of the Cabinet for the former Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides. Prior to join the European Commission in 2014, he worked in the European Parliament.
Background
The Commission maintains Representations in all EU Member State capitals, as well as Regional Offices in Barcelona, Bonn, Marseille, Milan, Munich, and Wroclaw. The Representations act as the Commission's eyes, ears, and voice on the ground in Member States. They engage with national authorities, stakeholders, and citizens, and inform the media and the public about EU policies. Heads of Representations are appointed by the President of the European Commission and act as her political representatives in the Member State to which they are posted.
