Isabelle Costa has been appointed High Commissioner for European Affairs, effective from February 1.

“With inter-ministerial powers, she will work under the direct authority of the Minister of State and will carry out her mission in conjunction with the competent administrative and diplomatic services,” according to a press release.

Until now, these long-running negotiations have been the responsibly of Gilles Tonelli, ambassador and special adviser in charge of negotiations with the European Union.

The Sovereign has now instructed Isabelle Costa to “continue discussions with the European Commission, with the support of her government, with the aim of reaching an association agreement which should preserve the specificities of Monaco and ensure the sustainability of the economic and social models of the Principality.”

Monaco “is a privileged partner of the European Union, sharing common values, concerning in particular human rights, the rule of law, the preservation of peace and the environment,” the Sovereign said.

A graduate of Sciences-Po Aix, the College of Europe and the National School of Administration, Isabelle Costa has held various positions in Monegasque diplomacy, then at the General Inspectorate of Administration, before being appointed Deputy Secretary General of the Government in charge of the Europe Unit in 2016.