Michael Roberts

Michael is a consultant and coach specialising in EU and international affairs. An expert in navigating the corridors of Brussels, he has advised governments, corporates and NGOs in Central and Eastern Europe, in the EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood and in Central Asia.

A UK diplomat by background, Michael was British Ambassador to Slovakia and Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy in Turkey.  In between periods at the UK’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office, he also enjoyed postings at the UK Permanent Representation to the EU and at the British Embassy in Athens. 

Since leaving the British foreign service in 2011, he has led a major consultancy project for the former British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, in Kazakhstan, and on behalf of CPDS has advised the Finnish, Estonian, Lithuanian and Slovenian governments on their preparations to the EU Presidencies. He coaches officials of several countries and regions in diplomatic skills and on how to negotiate effectively in and with the EU. Besides EU business, his particular interests lie in helping countries pursue good governance and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Michael has an MA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics from the University of Oxford. He speaks English, French, Greek, some Turkish and some Slovak. His spare time is dedicated to classical music, particularly baroque music. As a former Oxford organ scholar and enjoys singing in and conducting choirs. He is also active in charity work for which he was made a Commander of the Royal Victorian Order in 2008, by Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II.