Andris Kuznieks has been appointed as the new Head of the European Commission Representation in Riga, Latvia. He will serve as the official representative of the European Commission in Latvia under the political authority of President Ursula von der Leyen. The effective date for his appointment is yet to be announced.
Kuznieks, a Latvian national, brings experience in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement, and policy coordination. He has worked previously within the Commission Representation in Latvia and is familiar with the country’s political, economic, and social landscape. His background includes skills in political analysis and relationship-building, which are considered important for cooperation between the Commission and Latvia.
Currently serving as Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia, Kuznieks has also held roles such as Head of the Press and Information Section at the Delegation of the European Union to Russia. Earlier positions include Acting Head of the Commission Representation in Latvia where he managed political reporting, media relations, and human resources. Before joining the Commission in 2012, he worked for various Latvian ministries and in private sector roles.
The European Commission maintains Representations across all EU Member State capitals as well as Regional Offices in several cities including Barcelona and Milan. These offices act as links between Brussels and local authorities or citizens by sharing information about EU policies and developments. Heads of Representations are selected by the President of the European Commission to represent her politically within their assigned Member States.
“Andris Kuznieks has been appointed as new Head of the European Commission Representation in Riga, Latvia. In this function, he will act as the official representative of the European Commission in Latvia under the political authority of President Ursula von der Leyen. The date of effect for this appointment will be determined later.”
“Mr Kuznieks, a Latvian national, brings extensive skills in strategic communication, stakeholder engagement and policy coordination, supported by strong institutional and diplomatic expertise. His knowledge of the Latvian political, economic and social context, gained through his previous work in the Commission Representation in this Member State, equips him to support the Commission’s work in Latvia. He has strong skills in political analysis, clear communication and relationship-building, which are essential for ensuring effective cooperation between the Commission and Latvia. These experiences and qualities will enable him to represent the Institution effectively in this Member State.”
“Mr Kuznieks is currently Deputy Head of the European Commission Representation in Latvia. He has previously served as Head of the Press and Information Section at the Delegation of the European Union to the Russian Federation. Earlier, he was Acting Head of the Commission Representation in Latvia, where he was responsible for political reporting, media relations and human resources. Before joining the Commission in 2012, he worked in various Latvian ministries as well as in the private sector.”
“The Commission maintains Representations in all capitals of EU Member States, and Regional Offices in Barcelona, Bonn, Marseille, Milan, Munich and Wroclaw. The Representations are the Commission’s eyes, ears and voice on the ground in EU Member States. They interact with national authorities, stakeholders and citizens, and inform the media and public about EU policies. Heads of Representations are appointed by President Ursula von der Leyen and are her political representatives in the Member State to which they are posted.”
