22 EUROPEAN COUNTRIES WITHOUT US AMBASSADORS

22 U.S. embassies in Europe are missing Ambassadors at the helm. The vacancies are undermining not just the United States’ credibility but also the country’s ability to advocate for U.S. interests at the most senior levels. The absence of U.S. Ambassadors in European countries is concerning because European countries represent important political and economic partners

No matter how capably a Chargé d’Affaires and their staff can run an embassy, Ambassadors do matter. They are the U.S. president’s highest-ranking representatives, frontline reporters and interpreters of the United States for their host countries. Although communications technologies have undoubtedly undercut embassies’ autonomy from Washington, nothing can replace on-the-ground analysis or the influence of individuals in lobbying for U.S. interests. With “economic statecraft” now at the center of U.S. foreign policy, Ambassadors also lead advocacy on behalf of U.S. business, helping to secure contracts and export opportunities.

The absence of an Ambassador, in contrast, sends the wrong message about U.S. engagement. An Ambassador indicates that the U.S. takes that country seriously; without one, a host government perceives that the relationship is taken for granted. The impact on the U.S. image is one of political dysfunction and unreliability. In short, foreign governments notice the empty desks.

European Countries without US Ambassadors (as of 18 May 2017)

1. Austria
2. Belarus
3. Belgium
4. Czech Republic
5. Denmark
6. European Union
7. Finland
8. France & Monaco
9. Germany
10. Holy See
11. Hungary
12. Iceland
13. Ireland
14. Italy & San Marino
15. Luxembourg
16. Netherlands
17. Norway
18. Portugal
19. Spain & Andorra
20. Sweden
21. Switzerland & Liechtenstein
22. United Kingdom