In Conversation with H.E. Federico Bianchi di Montano Antilia, EU Ambassador to Guinea-Bissau: A Two-Part Special Event - From West Africa to Digital Diplomacy
This is two-part event was held on June 3rd, with a second part on June 25th from 5:00-6:30.
Join H.E. Federico Bianchi di Montano Antilia, EU Ambassador to Guinea‑Bissau, for a two‑day conversation that links complex regional realities with the tools of modern diplomacy. Designed for UK and international students of foreign relations based in London, as well as foreign policy analysts interested in West African dynamics, the event pairs frontline political and security analysis of West Africa with a hands‑on exploration of digital diplomacy – why both matter now more than ever following regional and global instability, rise of Foreign-led mis and disinformation, and the end of the post-war multilateral order.
Meet the Speaker
Federico Bianchi di Montano Antilia
Federico Bianchi di Montano Antilia – is the EU Ambassador to the Republic of Guinea-Bissau. In this role since September 2025, he has witnessed the country’s unsuccessful elections and ensuing coup d’etat in November of last year.
Prior to his current role, Federico was from January 2020 to August 2025, the first ever EU Spokesperson to the UK, contributing – post Brexit - to analysing and shaping narratives at a pivotal time in EU-UK relations.
Moreover, in London, he also served as: Head of Press and Media at the Italian Embassy to the U.K. (2015-2019), Senior Comms Adviser at the U.K. Foreign Office (2014-2015).
Further past experiences include postings: in Islamabad as First Secretary and Head of the Economic Section of the Italian Embassy (2011-2014), in Shanghai (2011) and Rome (2009-2011) as Italian diplomat; in Montreal (2008-2009) as G7 outreach coordinator for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP - CBD); in Brussels (2003-2008) for the EU institutions with multiple roles.
Between 2021 and 2025, Federico was the elected President of the Diplomatic Press Attaches Association in London (DPAAL). Winner of the Young Diplomat of the Year Award (London, 2018), Federico is also Freeman of the City of London, member of the Worshipful Company of Communicators, Honorary Life member of the Oxford University Italian Society and Member of the Scientific Committee of the Hub on Corporate communications of the IULM University of Milan.
Federico graduated in law with honours from the University of Naples and holds a PhD on EU-US-China relations from the University of Salerno, as well as master’s degrees in international relations and diplomatic studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, the University of Rome and the United Nations institute (SIOI) in Rome. Author of a number of publications on EU law, Federico speaks fluently English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese and basic Mandarin & Urdu.