The new EUSR will actively contribute to regional and international efforts to achieve lasting peace, security, stability and sustainable development in the region, which comprises Burkina Faso, Chad, Mali, Mauritania and Niger.
The EUSR will also engage with the countries of the Lake Chad Basin and other countries and regional or international entities in and beyond the region, including the Maghreb and the Gulf of Guinea and neighbouring countries that are affected by the dynamics of the Sahel.
In line with the discussions held at the European Council of 26-27 October, the Foreign Affairs Councils, 21 November 2023 (Development), 11 December 2023 and 19 February 2024, and on the basis of the policy objectives of the EU Integrated Strategy in the Sahel, the EUSR will assist the High Representative in defining a renewed approach to the region.
Mr. Cravinho will take up his duties on 1 December 2024, with an initial mandate of 21 months, succeeding Emanuela Claudia Del Re, whose mandate started in June 2021.
Mr. Cravinho served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Portugal from 2022 to 2024. He previously held the positions of Minister of National Defence, EU Ambassador to Brazil, EU Ambassador to India, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, Lecturer of International Relations at Coimbra University and President of the Portuguese Cooperation Institute.
EU Special Representatives are proposed by the High Representative to promote the EU’s policies and interests in certain regions and countries, as well as issues of particular concern or interest for the EU. They play an active role in efforts to consolidate peace, stability and the rule of law.
Currently, eleven EUSRs support the work of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.