EU Delegation to Serbia: Von Beckerath Leaves, Julian Vassallo Takes Over

Andreas von Beckerath, head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, has ended his posting in Belgrade after 15 months, the delegation announced on Saturday, 7 November. From Sunday, 8 November, the delegation is led by his deputy, Maltese diplomat Julian Vassallo, as chargé d'affaires until a new head of delegation is appointed.

Von Beckerath's farewell message

In a video posted on X, von Beckerath said Serbia was at the start of a new chapter and that a window of opportunity was opening for its people. He listed democracy, accountability, the rule of law, civil society and free media as essential to the country's European path and said he expected the incoming administration to share that ambition. He called the determination of Serbian citizens deeply inspiring and wished the new authorities success in reforming institutions. "Thank you, Serbia, for your warmth, friendship and trust," he wrote in English. The delegation thanked him for his commitment to the EU-Serbia partnership.

Who is Julian Vassallo

Vassallo, a lawyer by training, was named deputy head of the delegation in June 2026 as part of a round of senior nominations by the European External Action Service, Malta's Who's Who reported at the time. He previously led a team in the EEAS division for the United Kingdom and headed the political, European integration and press section of the EU Delegation to North Macedonia. Earlier posts include the European Parliament information office in Malta, the office of former EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana, and Malta's missions to the EU and the UN. The delegation says he will continue the EU's work with Serbia on accession reforms and regional cooperation.

A handover between governments

The change comes days after the European Commission published its 2026 report on Serbia, which von Beckerath presented in Belgrade, and as the country moves to a new government. The Republic Electoral Commission allocated all 250 seats on 6 November: 140 to the Student List, 103 to the Aleksandar Vučić – United Serbia list and seven to minority lists. The caretaker government said the same day that it expected the new Assembly to be constituted as soon as possible.

What it means

Day-to-day contacts on reforms and EU funds continue through the delegation. No date has been announced for naming a new EU ambassador, so the first meetings between Brussels' mission in Belgrade and the new majority are likely to be led by Vassallo.