Maltese civil servant
Glenn Micallef (Maltese pronunciation: [ˈɡlɛnː mɪˈkɐlːɛf];[1] born 30 July 1989[citation needed]) is a Maltese civil servant who was Chief of Staff to the Prime Minister of Malta, Robert Abela, from 2020 to 2024.[2] Since December 2024 he serves as European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport.
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Early life
Micallef graduated from the University of Malta with a bachelor's degree in commerce and economics and a Masters degree in European law.[3] As a student, he served as president of Pulse in 2010.[4]
Career
He later worked at the foreign affairs ministry, where he was head of the EU Coordination Department and the Brexit Unit.[5] In January 2020, Micallef was named European affairs advisor to Prime Minister Robert Abela.[6]
Brexit preparations
Following the UK's decision to leave the European Union and subsequent negotiations with the European Commission, Glenn Micallef was appointed as Head of the Brexit Unit, to coordinate Malta's Brexit preparations and to streamline Malta's legislation accordingly. The principal set of guidelines establishing the parameters for the Chief Negotiator were agreed upon and concluded during the 2017 Maltese Presidency of the Council of the European Union.[5] Under his tenure, Micallef was also responsible for an information campaign, 'Brexit Be Prepared', to inform UK citizens living in Malta of the steps needed to regulate their position following Brexit and coordinate between the different government departments and entities.[7]
Chief of staff
In November 2020, he was appointed Head of Secretariat to the Prime Minister, a position equivalent to a chief of staff, succeeding Clyde Caruana.[8] He resigned from the position in June 2024, and was succeeded by Mark Mallia.[3] Upon his resignation, Micallef was considered a contender to succeed Marlene Bonnici as Permanent Representative of Malta to the EU.[3]
European Commissioner
In July 2024, he was announced as Malta's nominee to serve as the country's European commissioner.[2] His hearing with the European Parliament took place on 4 November 2024.
Personal life
Glenn Micallef was vice president of Zabbar St Patrick FC up until September 2024.
Micallef’s wife is an architect and is a local councillor in Kalkara.[9]
References