Michalis Rokas

Michalis Rokas (born September 1964) is a European Union diplomat and senior official of the European External Action Service (EEAS), currently serving as the EU Ambassador to North Macedonia. He has held multiple senior diplomatic roles across Asia-Pacific and the Balkans, with influence on EU enlargement, trade negotiations, and regional diplomacy.
Early life and education
Rokas was born in Athens, Greece. He holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and a postgraduate degree in European Economics from the . He is fluent in Greek, English, French, and German.
Diplomatic career
Rokas began his diplomatic career in 1994 with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for External Relations. Over the decades, he has represented the European Union in various senior positions globally.
EU postings
* EU Ambassador to North Macedonia (September 2024-present): As EU Ambassador, he is actively engaged with North Macedonia’s institutions and civil society, reaffirming the EU’s commitment to the country’s accession process. He regularly participates in dialogue on regional cooperation, rule of law, and constitutional reform.
* EU Ambassador to Malaysia (December 2020-August 2024): Actively promoted trade, environmental diplomacy, and EU-Malaysia relations. He was a key figure in advocating the restart of Malaysia-EU FTA negotiations.
* Head of Support to Delegations Division, EEAS (2017-2020): Responsible for overseeing the operational, HR, and logistical support for over 140 EU delegations worldwide.
* Head of EU Delegation to New Zealand (Chargé d'Affaires) (2016-2017): Led diplomatic engagement and advanced EU interests in Oceania.
* Deputy Head, China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, and Mongolia Division, EEAS (2011-2016): Oversaw relations with major East Asian economies and coordinated strategic dialogues.
* First Secretary, European Commission Office in Hong Kong and Macau (2005-2011): Managed bilateral relations and regional economic diplomacy.
* He was a keynote speaker at strategic forums like The Cooler Earth Summit and KSI Asia, representing the EU’s climate and geopolitical priorities.
* His contributions in Malaysia included vaccine diplomacy, support for the EU-Malaysia Partnership and Cooperation Agreement, progress on Free Trade Agreement talks, and initiatives in biodiversity and sustainable palm oil.

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