Malta’s EU ambassador reassigned to Spain, to be replaced by his predecessor

Malta’s ambassador to the EU has been reassigned elsewhere and he will be replaced by his predecessor, the government has confirmed.

It was reported on Monday that Malta’s Permanent Representative to the EU, Daniel Azzopardi, had been given his marching orders by the Foreign Affairs Ministry. According to one particular report, the government was unhappy with his performance.

It was also reported that his predecessor, Marlene Bonnici, had been recalled to Brussels, despite having presented her credentials as Ambassador to Germany on the same day.

In a statement, the government said Azzopardi will now be nominated for the role of Malta’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain.

Ambassador Marlene Bonnici, currently Malta’s Ambassador to Germany and who served as Permanent Representative to the EU between 2012 and 2018, will return to her former role in Malta’s Permanent Representation in Brussels. Ambassador Bonnici is one of Malta’s longest serving diplomats and a senior public servant having previously served as Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister.

Ambassador Vanni Xuereb, currently Malta’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain and previously the Head of Malta’s EU Steering Action Committee will be nominated for the role of Malta’s Ambassador to Germany.

With regard to articles in the local media, the government said it is “customary and a normal practice” for ambassadors to be rotated, especially when there is a new administration.

The government thanked all three ambassadors for the “sterling” work, their respective contributions and their commitment.