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Catherine ColonnaFrench diplomat and statesman
Date of Birth: 16.04.1956
Country:  France |
Content:
- Catherine Colonna: A Trailblazing Diplomat and French Leader
- Early Life and Education
- Diplomatic Career
- Ambassadorial Roles and International Service
- Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs
Catherine Colonna: A Trailblazing Diplomat and French Leader
French diplomat and politician Catherine Colonna is the current Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, a position she has held since May 20, 2022.
Early Life and Education
Catherine Colonna was born on April 16, 1956, in Tours, France, to a Corsican farmer, Joseph Colonna. She spent her childhood on the island of Corsica. Colonna earned degrees from the University of Tours, the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po), and the National School of Administration (ENA).
Diplomatic Career
Colonna's diplomatic career began in 1983 with a posting at the French Embassy in the United States. Upon her return to France, she worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Legal Affairs Department and became the department's spokesperson in 1993.
In 1995, Colonna became the spokesperson for President Jacques Chirac. She subsequently headed the National Center for Cinematography from 2004 to 2005. From 2005 to 2007, she served as Minister for European Affairs in the government of Dominique de Villepin.
Ambassadorial Roles and International Service
From 2008 to 2010, Colonna was France's Permanent Representative to UNESCO. She then served at the French Embassy in the United Kingdom. From 2014 to 2017, she was Ambassador to Italy and San Marino. In 2017, she returned to Paris as France's Permanent Representative to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). In September 2019, she became the French Ambassador to the United Kingdom.
Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs
On May 20, 2022, Colonna was appointed Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs in the government of Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne. She retained her position in the second Borne government formed on July 4, 2022.
Colonna has been a vocal advocate for diplomatic solutions to global challenges, including the war in Ukraine. She has also been active in promoting gender equality and diversity in the diplomatic corps.
