Diplomatic relations

The letters of credence must be signed by the Head of State, and two identical originals of the letters must be drawn up, one addressed to the President of the European Council, the other to the President of the European Commission.On the day he/she presents his/her credentials, the appointed Head of Mission proceeds by his/her own means to the audience. No speeches are made during the presentation and the Head of Mission hands over his/her predecessor's letter of recall at the same time as he/she presents his/her credentials.This section presents the viewers with a photo collection of presentations of credentials to the European Commission by Heads of Diplomatic Missions of Third Countries accredited to the European Communities and the European Union since 1958.