Europe

Ambassador O’Brien’s Conclusion of Tenure in Germany

O’Brien leaves in August to become Ireland’s Ambassador to China after Germany

July 04th, 2024
Claudia Capanema, News from Berlin
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Ambassador Nicholas O’Brien hosted an official farewell reception on the evening of July 3rd, marking the conclusion of his tenure in Berlin. O’Brien, who will leave in late August, is set to assume the role of Ireland’s Ambassador to China after five successful years in Germany.

O’Brien began his service as Ireland’s Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany in August 2019. Prior to this, he was the Director General for EU and International Affairs at the Finance Ministry in Dublin from 2014 to 2019. In this role, he was a member of the EU’s Economic and Financial Committee, where he played a significant part in addressing the Eurozone crisis and served as Ireland’s Director on the European Stability Mechanism and the European Financial Stability Facility.

Between 2011 and 2014, O’Brien served as Diplomatic Advisor to the Minister for Finance. Before that, he was Deputy Head of Mission at the Berlin Embassy from 2008 to 2011 and Consul General in Shanghai from 2004 to 2008. His earlier positions include Africa Director at the Foreign Ministry from 2001 to 2004 during Ireland’s EU Presidency and term on the UN Security Council, and working in DG External Relations of the European Commission from 1998 to 2001. He also held several positions at the Finance Ministry, including Private Secretary to the Minister of State.

O’Brien holds a Doctorate in Governance from Queen’s University Belfast, a Master’s in Public Management, and a primary degree in economics and public administration.

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News from Berlin