Ambassadors to the European Union
The diplomatic relationship between the United States and the European Union is managed by high-level representatives who serve as the primary bridge between these two global powers. These Ambassadors—the highest-ranking diplomats sent by a state to represent its interests—play a critical role in coordinating policy, trade, and security across the Atlantic.
Since the early 1960s, a succession of diplomats from various U.S. states has held this prestigious post, ensuring continuity in governance and strategic cooperation. The role involves not only presenting credentials to the EU but also managing the complex termination of terms as administrations change.
[Image]Key Facts
- First Representative: William Walton Butterworth of Louisiana began his appointment on August 10, 1961.
- Geographic Diversity: Ambassadors have hailed from diverse states including New York, Washington D.C., Texas, and California.
- Acting Roles: Several individuals, such as Michael McKinley and Ronald Gidwitz, served as Acting Ambassadors to maintain diplomatic continuity.
- Current Status: Andrew Puzder of Tennessee is the incumbent ambassador, appointed on September 11, 2025.
Chronology of Diplomatic Appointments
The history of the mission is marked by varying lengths of tenure. Early representatives like John W. Tuthill and J. Robert Schaetzel provided stability during the 1960s and 70s, while later appointments reflected the shifting geopolitical landscape of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
The Early Era (1961–1980)
The mission began with William Walton Butterworth in 1961. This period saw the establishment of formal channels, with figures like Joseph A. Greenwald and Deane R. Hinton managing the relationship through the mid-1970s.
Expansion and Modernization (1981–2000)
From the 1980s onward, the role evolved to address the growing economic integration of Europe. Notable representatives included Alfred H. Kingon and James Dobbins, with Stuart E. Eizenstat serving during the mid-1990s.
The 21st Century and Recent Transitions (2001–Present)
Recent years have seen a mix of career diplomats and political appointees. The transition from Mark Gitenstein to the current incumbent, Andrew Puzder, marks the latest chapter in this diplomatic lineage.
[Image]Summary of EU Ambassadors
| Name | Home State | Appointment Date | Termination Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| William Walton Butterworth | Louisiana | August 10, 1961 | October 25, 1962 |
| John W. Tuthill | Illinois | October 23, 1962 | June 7, 1966 |
| J. Robert Schaetzel | Not Specified | September 16, 1966 | October 25, 1972 |
| Joseph A. Greenwald | Not Specified | October 12, 1972 | January 28, 1976 |
| Deane R. Hinton | Not Specified | January 29, 1976 | December 3, 1979 |
| Thomas O. Enders | Connecticut | November 6, 1979 | May 27, 1981 |
| George Southall Vest | Maryland | September 20, 1981 | February 27, 1985 |
| J. William Middendorf | Connecticut | July 12, 1985 | February 1, 1987 |
| Alfred H. Kingon | New York | March 27, 1987 | June 23, 1989 |
| Thomas Niles | Washington, D.C. | June 23, 1989 | August 26, 1991 |
| James Dobbins | New York | October 9, 1991 | July 31, 1993 |
| Stuart E. Eizenstat | Washington, D.C. | August 2, 1993 | April 1996 |
| A. Vernon Weaver | Arkansas | July 2, 1996 | February 28, 1999 |
| Richard Morningstar | Washington, D.C. | July 7, 1999 | September 21, 2001 |
| Rockwell A. Schnabel | California | October 1, 2001 | June 18, 2005 |
| Michael McKinley (Acting) | Washington D.C. | June 18, 2005 | January 20, 2006 |
| C. Boyden Gray | North Carolina | January 17, 2006 | December 31, 2007 |
| Kristen Silverberg | Texas | May 2, 2008 | January 18, 2009 |
| William Kennard | Washington, D.C. | November 23, 2009 | July 29, 2013 |
| Anthony L. Gardner | New York | February 13, 2014 | January 20, 2017 |
| Gordon Sondland | Washington | June 28, 2018 | February 7, 2020 |
| Ronald Gidwitz (Acting) | Illinois | May 4, 2020 | January 20, 2021 |
| Mark W. Libby (Acting) | Washington D.C. | January 20, 2021 | January 24, 2022 |
| Mark Gitenstein | Alabama | December 18, 2021 | January 17, 2025 |
| Norman Thatcher Scharpf (Acting) | Washington D.C. | January 17, 2025 | September 11, 2025 |
| Andrew Puzder | Tennessee | September 11, 2025 | Incumbent |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the first Ambassador to the European Union?
The first person to hold this position was William Walton Butterworth of Louisiana, who was appointed on August 10, 1961.
What is an "Acting" Ambassador?
An Acting Ambassador is a diplomat who temporarily fulfills the duties of the ambassadorial role during a transition period between permanent appointments, such as Michael McKinley or Mark W. Libby.
Who is the current Ambassador to the European Union?
The current incumbent is Andrew Puzder of Tennessee, who was appointed on September 11, 2025.
Which U.S. states have frequently provided ambassadors for this role?
Several states appear multiple times in the records, most notably New York, Washington D.C., and Connecticut.
How long do these diplomatic terms typically last?
Terms vary significantly; some ambassadors served for several years, such as J. Robert Schaetzel (1966–1972), while others served shorter terms or in acting capacities for a few months.