Catherine Colonna, the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will Address The National Press Club of Australia.
Catherine Colonna was born on 16 April 1956 in Tours (Indre-et-Loire). Catherine Colonna holds a master’s degree in Public Law (1977) and a postgraduate in Public Law (1978). She holds a degree from the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po) (Public Service Section, 1980) and is a graduate of the National School of Administration (ENA) (“Solidarité” year, 1981-1983).
She started her diplomatic career in 1983 at the French Embassy in Washington (1983-1986), then was responsible for European issues and economic law in the Legal Affairs Directorate at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (1986-1988).
From 1988 to 1989, Catherine Colonna was an adviser in the Private Office of the Ministre d’Etat, Minister of Public Works and Housing, and from 1989 to 1990, a special assistant for European Affairs in the Policy Planning Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
From 1990 to 1993, she was head of the Press Department in the Press, Information and Communication Directorate, then from 1993 to 1995, deputy spokesperson at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
From 1995 to 2004, she was spokesperson for the Presidency of the Republic.
From 2004 to 2005, she was director-general of the French National Centre for Cinematography (CNC) and vice-president of the Cannes Film Festival.
From 2005 to 2007, Catherine Colonna was Minister Delegate for European Affairs.
From 2008 to 2010, she was Permanent Delegate of France to UNESCO.
From 2010 to 2014, she worked as a managing partner in the Paris Office of the Brunswick Group.
From 2014 to 2017, Catherine Colonna was French Ambassador to Italy and San Marino.
From 2017 to 2019, she was the Permanent Representative of France to UNESCO.
From September 2019 to May 2022, Catherine Colonna was French Ambassador to the United Kingdom before being appointed Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs on 20 May 2022.
Catherine Colonna is an Officier of the Légion d’Honneur, Officier of the Ordre du Mérite, and Commandeur of the Ordre des Arts et Lettres. She was elevated to the rank of Ambassadrice de France in November 2020.
