Special Representative Lambrinidis reports directly to High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton.  This roundtable is a special opportunity for a private briefing from a senior EU official about the EU’s perspective on human rights and democracy in transitioning Arab countries, in particular in Egypt, where the Special Representative has just completed a visit.

Mr. Lambrinidis was appointed as the EU’s Special Representative for Human Rights in 2012. His role is to enhance the effectiveness and visibility of EU human rights policy through implementing the EU human rights tools and advancing dialogue with governments in third countries, international organizations, and civil society. Born in Athens, Mr. Lambrinidis served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of Greece (2011-2012) and as Vice-President of the European Parliament (2009-2011). Earlier in his career, he was Chairman of the Committee for Human Rights at the American Bar Association in Washington, DC.