Jan Tombinski took up the post of European Union ambassador to Ukraine in September as Ukraine’s relations with the 27-nation bloc were becoming increasingly strained over human rights and other issues. This year, meanwhile, is potentially momentous for the Ukraine-EU relationship, with a summit coming up on Feb. 25 in Brussels. By year’s end, Ukraine hopes to sign an Association Agreement with the EU.
Before being posted to Ukraine, Tombinski headed Poland’s mission to the EU. He has also served as Poland’s ambassador to France. The polyglot diplomat speaks English, German, French, Slovenian and Czech.
His skills and experience will come in handy in starting a new page in relations with the EU. His predecessor, Jose Manuel Pinto Teixeira, riled government authorities with his candid assessments about corruption, democratic regression and the unfriendly business climate in Ukraine since President Viktor Yanukovych took power in 2010.




