Estonian diplomat Matti Maasikas formally appointed EU foreign service deputy chief
Estonian diplomat Matti Maasikas, who had been serving as acting deputy secretary general since 2025, has been formally appointed as deputy secretary general for geoeconomics and interinstitutional issues at the European External Action Service (EEAS). This is the highest-ranking EU foreign policy post ever held by an Estonian.
After serving in the role on an acting basis since 2025, Estonia's Matti Maasikas has been formally appointed as deputy secretary general of the European External Action Service (EEAS). The appointment was made under High Representative Kaja Kallas.
According to the EEAS senior appointments list published Wednesday, Maasikas was confirmed as deputy secretary general for geoeconomics and interinstitutional issues. This marks the highest-ranking EU foreign policy post ever held by an Estonian.
Since November 2024, Maasikas served as managing director for Europe and Central Asia at the EEAS, overseeing EU foreign policy coordination with non-EU countries in the region, particularly support for Ukraine. From 2019 to 2023, he headed the EU delegation to Ukraine, and previously held several senior positions at Estonia's Foreign Ministry.
Maasikas will formally take up his duties on September 1.
