Today, Peter Stano has been appointed as the new Head of the European Commission Representation in Bratislava, Slovakia. In this function, he will act as the official representative of the European Commission in Slovakia under the political authority of President Ursula von der Leyen. The date of effect for this appointment will be determined later.
Mr Stano has extensive expertise in strategic communication and diplomacy, acquired through a wide-ranging career at both the national and EU levels. Over the years, he has developed in-depth knowledge of media engagement, public communication, and the conduct of diplomatic functions in complex and fast-evolving political environments. He has consistently demonstrated the ability to coordinate communications across EU structures, ensuring coherence and clarity in conveying EU policies and positions to both national and international audiences. His leadership background and management experience – developed through years of coordinating high-profile communication efforts, leading spokesperson teams, and working within complex diplomatic settings – equip him to lead the Representation effectively, advancing the Commission's priorities and strengthening its visibility at national, regional, and local levels.
Mr Stano previously served as Lead Spokesperson for EU Foreign and Security Policy between 2019 and 2024. Before that, he held several senior positions within the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic, including Ambassador-at-Large for Migration, Deputy Head of Mission and Consul at the Slovak Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon and Spokesperson of the Minister of Foreign Affairs. In an earlier stage of his career, he also served as Spokesperson for Enlargement and European Neighbourhood Policy at the European Commission.
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.
