Fiona Knab-Lunny

Fiona Knab-Lunny is a career diplomat from Ireland who has spent over two decades building expertise in European foreign policy, conflict prevention, and multilateral diplomacy. She completed her undergraduate degree in Applied Languages at the University of Ulster and did her postgraduate studies in Edinburgh, Scotland.

She is described as an Irish diplomat known for her work on multilateralism, international relations, and human rights. Knab-Lunny, 52, worked in the European Commission for eight years and during the outgoing mandate worked on conflict prevention, human rights and humanitarian affairs, as well as relations with civil society.

Career history

• Head of Cabinet to Commissioner Michael McGrath (European Commission, since December 1, 2024) — overseeing the Cabinet for the Commissioner for Democracy, Justice and the Rule of Law
• Senior member in the Cabinet of HRVP Josep Borrell (2019-2024) — responsible for multilateralism, relations with the UN, sanctions, accountability, human rights and relations with civil society
• Head of the Political and Security Division and Deputy to the PSC Chair in the European External Action Service (EEAS)
• Head of Africa Sector in the Operations Division of the Civilian Planning and Conduct Capability in the EEAS (2-year position) — working on EU civilian capacity building missions in Africa
• First permanent Chair of the Council Working Party on Africa (2011-2014)
• Various roles with the Irish Foreign Service — in the Department of Foreign Affairs at Headquarters (Political Directorate, EU Directorate and Corporate Services), at the Embassy of Ireland to Belgium and at the Permanent Representation of Ireland to the EU in Brussels
• Seconded to the Austrian Foreign Ministry in Vienna (2005-2006)

What Knab-Lunny could bring to her role as Deputy Head of Delegation to the UN, IAEA and OSCE: Her extensive background in multilateral diplomacy, institutional coordination, and European security architecture, combined with her proven track record managing high-level policy portfolios and complex cabinet operations, positions her well to represent EU interests across three critical international organizations and build consensus on transnational challenges.