Lino Francescon, ECES Head of the External Relations and Senior Training Advisor, was appointed as First Secretary at the representation to the European Union of the Order of Malta (also known as the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta).
The Order of Malta is one of the most ancient Catholic Religious Orders, founded in Jerusalem around 1048. It has always been recognised by nations as an independent subject of international law that exercises functions of sovereignty, recognised as such by more than 100 states and by the European Union, with which it exchanges ambassadors. It has permanent observer missions at the United Nations (New York, Geneva, Paris, Vienna, Rome, Nairobi, Bangkok), and with the principal international organisations.
The Order of Malta has been for many years a valuable partner of the European Commission, having helped to implement the EU programmes and projects in many parts of the world, especially in the fields of emergency relief, medical care, fight against poverty, the response to drought and famine, and special assistance to people affected by conflicts.
Lino Francescon started his collaboration with ECES in 2012 and since then he is in charge of ensuring constant liaison and interaction with all the EU institutions. Given his long experience in organizing high level training and conferences for the EU, he provides senior advisory services to ECES for all training and capacity development activities.