Speaker Bio

François Rivasseau currently serves as Special Envoy for Space and Head of Security Policy and Space Division, European External Action Service.

He previously served as Minister Counsellor and Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) in the Delegation of the European Union to the United States (2011–2015), Minister Counsellor and DCM in the Embassy of France to the United States (2007–2011), Permanent Representative of France to the Conference on Disarmament in Geneva (2003–2006) and Assistant Secretary for Press and Communication and Spokesperson of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2000–2003).

Born in Bordeaux, France, Mr Rivasseau graduated from the Bordeaux Institute of Political Studies and holds a Ph.D. in law from the University of Bordeaux I. He is a graduate of the National School of Administration and also holds a degree of Roman languages from the University of Bordeaux III. He speaks fluent English, Spanish, and German and has basic knowledge of Russian.