The appointment was communicated by Catherine Ashton. Gonzato was heading the Secretariat of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament
Silvio Gonzato, Italian, has been appointed as Director for Human rights and Democracy at the EU External Action by Catherine Ashton. Currently, Gonzato heads the Secretariat of the Committee on Foreign Affairs in the European Parliament; he has an extensive background as an EP advisor and administrator in the areas of external relations, human rights, employment and social affairs.
The Hungarian Gábor Iklódy has been appointed as Director for Crisis management and Planning.