Ambassador Aivo Orav, an Estonian diplomat with over 30 years of national and EU experience in diplomacy and EU affairs, took office today as Head of the EU Office in Kosovo / European Union Special Representative in Kosovo. Ambassador Orav, who previously served as Estonia’s Permanent Representative to the EU and as Head of EU Delegations to Montenegro and North Macedonia, succeeds Czech diplomat Ambassador Tomáš Szunyog.

“It is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I take up the post of Head of the EU Office / EU Special Representative in Kosovo, an important EU partner in the Western Balkans. I pledge to work side by side with the EU’s local and international partners in Kosovo to drive forward our diplomatic and political relations, consolidate the EU’s position as Kosovo’s biggest investor, trade partner, and donor, and support Kosovo’s EU path and EU-related reforms,” said Ambassador Orav.

Considering the challenging geopolitical situation, Ambassador Orav committed to coordinating all EU presences on the ground, including EULEX, to promote a stable, peaceful, democratic, and multi-ethnic Kosovo.

“During my mandate, my vision is for Kosovo to decisively advance on its EU path, which will bring tangible benefits for its people,” said Ambassador Orav. He added that the EU’s substantial financial and technical assistance can support Kosovo implement vital reforms that will improve the quality of life for everyone, particularly in the areas of the rule of law, fight against corruption and organized crime, human rights, economy, public administration, functioning of democratic institutions, energy, environment, and legislation. Ambassador Orav expressed his willingness to contribute to a new dynamic in the EU-Kosovo relations, which can make possible the resumption the EU’s financial assistance to Kosovo.

“Kosovo will also benefit from the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, which will bring the EU’s Western Balkan partners closer to the EU single market, boost economic growth, and accelerate socio-economic convergence. I understand that Kosovo has recognised the opportunities offered and has taken a great deal of ownership in preparing the Reform Agenda, which should be timely implemented,” said Ambassador Orav.

Highlighting that the EU is not complete without the Western Balkans, Ambassador Orav concluded: “Coming from Estonia, a country whose accession to the European Union has been a success story, I am committed to going the extra mile to support Kosovo in becoming an EU success story as well.”

Please find attached Ambassador Orav’s official photo and CV.

Follow Ambassador Orav on X: @AivoOrav