Glenn Micallef (Maltese pronunciation: [ˈɡlɛnː mɪˈkɐlːɛf];[1] born 30 July 1989[citation needed]) is a Maltese civil servant who was Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, from 2020 to 2024.[2] Since December 2024 he serves as European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport.[2]
Glenn Micallef | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2024 | |
| European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport | |
| Assumed office 1 December 2024 | |
| President | Ursula von der Leyen |
| Preceded by | Iliana Ivanova |
| Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Malta | |
| In office 22 November 2020 – 26 June 2024 | |
| Prime Minister | Robert Abela |
| Preceded by | Clyde Caruana |
| Succeeded by | Mark Mallia |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Glenn Micallef 30 July 1989[citation needed] |
| Political party | Labour Party |
| Alma mater | University of Malta |
| Occupation | Economist • Civil servant • Politician |
Early life
editMicallef graduated from the University of Malta with a bachelor's degree in commerce and economics and a Masters degree in European law.[3] As a student, he served as president of Pulse in 2010.[4]
Career
editHe later worked at the foreign affairs ministry, where he was head of the EU Coordination Department and the Brexit Unit.[5] In January 2020, Micallef was named European affairs advisor to Prime Minister Robert Abela.[6]
Brexit preparations
editFollowing the UK's decision to leave the European Union and subsequent negotiations with the European Commission, Glenn Micallef was appointed as Head of the Brexit Unit, to coordinate Malta's Brexit preparations and to streamline Malta's legislation accordingly. The principal set of guidelines establishing the parameters for the Chief Negotiator were agreed upon and concluded during the 2017 Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union.[5] Under his tenure, Micallef was also responsible for an information campaign, 'Brexit Be Prepared', to inform UK citizens living in Malta of the steps needed to regulate their position following Brexit and coordinate between the different government departments and entities.[7]
Chief of staff
editIn November 2020, he was appointed Head of Secretariat to the Prime Minister, a position equivalent to a chief of staff, succeeding Clyde Caruana.[8] He resigned from the position in June 2024, and was succeeded by Mark Mallia.[3] Upon his resignation, Micallef was considered a contender to succeed Marlene Bonnici as Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU.[3]
European Commissioner
editIn July 2024, he was announced as Malta's nominee to serve as the country's European commissioner.[2] His hearing with the European Parliament took place on 4 November 2024.
Personal life
editGlenn Micallef was vice president of Zabbar St Patrick FC up until September 2024.
Micallef’s wife is an architect and is a local councillor in Kalkara.[9]
References
edit- ^ "Glenn Micallef huwa n-nominat għal Kummissarju Ewropew". YouTube. TVMnews. Retrieved 1 December 2024.
- ^ a b c "PM's ex-chief of staff Glenn Micallef to be nominated for EU commissioner post". Times of Malta. 25 July 2024.
- ^ a b c "PM's chief of staff Glenn Micallef resigns, replaced by Mark Mallia". Times of Malta. 26 June 2024.
- ^ "Abela facing stiff internal resistance on 'Commissioner Micallef' move". The Shift News. 28 June 2024.
- ^ a b Costa, Massimo (17 October 2019). "INTERVIEW | Glenn Micallef: Malta's significant impact as honest brokers in Brexit negotiations". Business Today.
- ^ "Updated (2): PM announces Cabinet reshuffle - 4 new ministers, 3 others have change in portfolio". The Malta Independent. 21 November 2020.
- ^ "Government launches Brexit readiness action plan". The Malta Independent. 12 November 2020.
- ^ "EU policy advisor to be next OPM head of secretariat". Times of Malta. 22 November 2020.
- ^ "Glenn Micallef's questionnaire: A nod to MEPs, volunteers, Ukraine and the French". Malta Today. Retrieved 4 November 2024.