Karen Pearce, one of Britain’s most seasoned diplomats, has been assigned as the UK’s representative for the Western Balkans, tasked with spearheading the execution of the UK’s strategic objectives in the region.

As mentioned by the British Embassy, Pearce previously served as the British Ambassador to the US and the British Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, making her the first woman to hold both esteemed positions.

She is set to assume her new role this spring, succeeding Lord Stuart Peach.

In the autumn of 2025, the United Kingdom will host the Berlin Process Western Balkans Summit, aimed at enhancing cooperation with regional partners to address irregular migration along key transit routes.

The announcement of this summit’s organization in collaboration with Germany highlights the UK’s commitment to revitalizing its ties with Europe and represents an ongoing effort by the government to forge enduring partnerships to combat criminal organizations involved in facilitating irregular migration.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy emphasized the long-standing significance of the Western Balkans to the United Kingdom, asserting that British partnerships in the area are vital for European security and the realization of the British Government’s Agenda for Change.

“Hosting the Berlin Process Summit in the UK reflects our dedication to European security. Her knowledge and experience are vital in our struggle against the abhorrence of human trafficking, and Dame Karen Pearce is indeed the right choice for this role. I would like to extend my gratitude to Lord Peach for his dedicated service in promoting British interests in the Western Balkans over the past three years,” Lammy stated.

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