Elisabetta Belloni leaves the EU Commission: the reasons behind Ursula von der Leyen's resignation as diplomatic advisor

A spokeswoman for the European Commission, Arianna Podestà, confirmed to Askanews in Brussels today that Elisabetta Belloni, diplomatic advisor to President Ursula von der Leyen, has announced her resignation, as reported today by the daily Repubblica. "We can confirm that Elisabetta Belloni is leaving President von der Leyen's cabinet," the spokeswoman reported.

The former director of the Dis, Elisabetta Belloni, had been appointed chief diplomatic adviser - de facto diplomatic adviser - to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen as part of the Palazzo Berlaymont advisory service called 'Idea'. The new post had been discussed in the days of Belloni's resignation from the head of the Italian secret service. For the former head of the Republic's intelligence agencies, as well as sherpa of the Italian G7, an initial two-year contract, renewable, for a maximum of 220 working days per year and with 'no role' of the Italian government in his appointment. The choice, it was stated, depended solely on the Commission and its president.