New EU ambassador begins duties in Ukraine

Brussels: The newly appointed ambassador of the European Union has started work in Ukraine. On September 20, Katarína Mathernová handed over copies of credentials to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the EU Representation in Ukraine reported.

“Katarína Mathernová and the team of EU Delegation to Ukraine will work hard to deepen the strong EU-Ukraine partnership in the crucial years to come,” the representation said.

The appointment of Mathernová as ambassador to Kyiv is another signal of support for Ukraine’s European integration efforts, the journalists write.

Previously, the ambassador was the deputy director general of the European Commission for Enlargement. Mathernová was involved in developing the neighborhood policy and EU enlargement and maintained close contact with the Ukrainian authorities.

As ambassador, Maternová replaced Matti Maasikas, who has headed the EU Representation in Ukraine since 2019.

In April, the Ukrainian World Congress welcomed Mathernová’s appointment. “Katarina has always been a true friend of Ukraine. Global Ukrainian diaspora looks forward to working with her and wishes her success at this time of historic significance for Ukraine,” UWC President Paul Grod wrote.