The European Union has nominated veteran diplomat Nicola Bellomo as its next charge d’affaires in Afghanistan, replacing Veronika Boskovic Pohar, who has led the bloc’s mission in the country since September 2024.
The nomination was unveiled this week as part of a broader diplomatic reshuffle announced by Kaja Kallas, the EU’s foreign policy chief.
Bellomo currently serves as head of the European External Action Service’s Pan-African Affairs Division. He previously served as the European Union’s ambassador to Rwanda and has held several senior diplomatic positions within the bloc’s foreign service.
The European External Action Service said Veronika Poharhas been nominated to become the EU’s next ambassador to Cameroon.
The appointments remain subject to administrative procedures before taking effect.
The European Union maintains a diplomatic presence in Kabul but does not recognize the Taliban rule. Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, the EU has continued engagement with Taliban officials on humanitarian, political and development issues while repeatedly calling for the restoration of women’s rights and girls’ access to education.
Bellomo’s nomination comes as engagement between the EU and the Taliban remains focused on humanitarian assistance, economic conditions, migration and human rights, particularly restrictions on women and girls.
