British Diplomat Michael Davenport Appointed New Head of OSCE Mission in Kosovo

PRISHTINË/PRIŠTINA, 22 March 2021 – Ambassador Michael Davenport, a British career diplomat, today assumed his duties as Head of the OSCE Mission in Kosovo.

“The OSCE is providing excellent support in Kosovo on human rights, democratisation and public safety.  It is a privilege to be leading a strong team who bring exceptional expertise and experience in all these areas. I look forward to working in partnership with all stakeholders on the implementation of the Mission’s mandate,” said Ambassador Davenport

Ambassador Davenport has extensive experience of the Western Balkans region, having served as EU Ambassador and Head of the EU Delegation in Serbia from 2013 to 2017 and as British Ambassador to Serbia from 2010 to 2013. Between 2007 and 2010 he served as Director for Russia, South Caucasus and Central Asia in the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Ambassador Davenport has since 2017 been serving as British Ambassador to Kuwait.

Ambassador Davenport, a qualified British solicitor and experienced diplomat, has a track record of overseeing programmes in the areas of rule of law, minority rights and good governance. He is the eighth Head of the Mission in Kosovo since its establishment in 1999, and succeeds Ambassador Jan Braathu of Norway.