28/07/2026 (Agence Europe) – A spokesperson for the European External Action Service (EEAS) said, on Tuesday 28 July, that the appointment of the European Union Special Representative for the Sahel had been carried out in compliance with the Treaties and EU guidelines. When asked about the EEAS’ withdrawal of the candidacy of former Slovenian Foreign Minister, Tanja Fajon, against a backdrop of criminal allegations against her in Slovenia, the spokesperson merely recalled the legal framework applicable to the designation of the Union’s Special Representatives. He also stressed that the appointment of Birgitte Nygaard Markussen to this leading diplomatic post had been made “in accordance with that procedure”. However, on Thursday 23 July, seven EU Member States expressed concerns about the conduct of, and lack of transparency in, that procedure (see EUROPE 13916/13). (BD)