Antonio Logreco - Delegate of the European Commission in Togo
1) Where do you come from? Where do you live?
I’m originally from Conversano (BA) but currently live in Lome’, Togo.
2) What do you do?
I’m a delegate of the European Commission since 1992. Presently, my profession has a dual function: ‘Politics of development and Development of Politics’. This means that the European Commission not only helps developing countries with the reduction of poverty, but also introduces policies that are more transparent and fight corruption, what today is defined as ‘good governance’.
3) Which is the most important achievement of your professional career? What would you say helped you achieve this?
The most important achievement to date is my nomination to Delegate, more specifically when I left Bruxelles’ technocratic and burocratic duties to perform field jobs on behalf of the European Commission.
As a young man, I’ve always had clear ideas and lived my life with serenity. When I started out, there was no internet so I had to read a lot the old-fashioned way with a desire to be documented on world affaires; I’ve also been always open-minded. Undoubtely, my most important professional achievemt is my nomination to delegate of the EC.
4) What would you suggest to anyone wishing to start a Diplomatic career?
Admission to the European Commission is by open competion, details of which are regularly published on the official website of the European Commission and Europe’s gazzette ufficiali. Good knowledge of at least two European languages, motivation and enthusiasm are a must.
I advice young people to nurture their own ambition. Everyone has something to give of their own - be original, copying others will only de-personalise you. Remember that you can only build your destiny little by little, day by day.
5) How do you spend your free time? Which is your favourite bar/restaurant/club?
I play the flute since I was 13 years of age, have always been most fascinated by falk music and even formed a small band. I've also collaborated with theatre companies and pubblished some booklets on medieval music from the south-east of Puglia. Basically, I love music and creativity.
6) Which is your favourite book? And film?
One of my favoutite books is ‘A Quand L’ Africa’ by Joseph Ki-Zerbo, a Senegalese writer and diplomat who leaves Bruzelles to return to a hut from where he observes with objectivity the contributions of the West to Africa, a continent that appears to be the costant victim of an accident.
Which film do I like best? To be honest it’s Mulan’s cartoons I like best!
7) What are your plans for the future?
I don’t have a political ambition because I believe that any political service should be performed in a more discreet fashion if not anonymous. I’m for non-visible efficient work and will always want to operate within nations where my contribution may be put to good use.
