Stefano Manservisi has had a long and distinguished career as a senior political adviser and civil servant within the institutions of the European Union. Throughout his career he has worked across diverse policy portfolios, but his focus has always been on the EU’s place in the world – particularly in relation to development policy, Africa, migration and security.

Stefano has twice served as the European Commission’s Director-General for Development, where he led efforts to reshape EU development policy, deliver the Millennium Development Goals and work towards realisation of the Sustainable Development Goals. He has also served as Director-General for Migration and Home Affairs.

Stefano has headed the private offices of:

• Romano Prodi, Commission President
• Mario Monti, Commissioner for Competition, Taxation and the Single Market
• Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Commission Vice-President

His contributions to policy and strategy have resulted in key EU milestones; notably, the Euro, treaty and institutional reform, enlargement, neighbourhood policy and relations with Africa. In addition, he has served as EU Ambassador to Turkey, further consolidating his diplomatic and negotiating skills on the ground and deepening his knowledge of Turkey and of the region.

A lawyer by training, Stefano enjoys teaching and has been a visiting professor at various universities and research centres.