Borys Tarasyuk, Ukrainian politician and diplomat

Borys Ivanovych Tarasyuk, born on 1 January 1949, is a distinguished Ukrainian politician and diplomat who has played a pivotal role in shaping Ukraine's foreign policy and international relations for decades. Known for his profound expertise in international affairs, Mr. Tarasyuk has notably served twice as the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine and held significant parliamentary responsibilities as a former Member of Parliament. Since December 2019, he has continued his dedicated service to Ukraine on the international stage as its permanent representative to the Council of Europe.

Mr. Tarasyuk's extensive diplomatic and political career is underscored by his two tenures as Ukraine's top diplomat. He first held the portfolio of Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1998 to 2000, and later from 2005 to 2007. During these critical periods, particularly the latter, which coincided with the aftermath of Ukraine's Orange Revolution, he was instrumental in advancing Ukraine's foreign policy objectives, focusing significantly on Euro-Atlantic integration and strengthening ties with the European Union and NATO. His work was pivotal in steering Ukraine's engagement with international organizations and key strategic partners.

Beyond his executive roles, Borys Tarasyuk also served as a People's Deputy of Ukraine, representing the nation in its unicameral parliament, the Verkhovna Rada. This parliamentary experience provided him with an invaluable understanding of domestic legislative processes, complementing his diplomatic prowess. In his current capacity as Ukraine's permanent representative to the Council of Europe, based in Strasbourg, France, Mr. Tarasyuk is at the forefront of representing Ukraine's interests within this leading human rights organization on the continent. The Council of Europe is crucial for upholding democracy, human rights, and the rule of law across its 46 member states, and Ukraine's active participation is vital, especially given contemporary geopolitical challenges.

The foundation of Mr. Tarasyuk's impressive career lies in his robust academic background. He pursued his higher education at the prestigious National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, one of Ukraine's oldest and most respected institutions of higher learning. He graduated in 1975, specializing in international relations and international law. This academic grounding provided him with the theoretical and practical knowledge essential for navigating the complex world of global diplomacy and legal frameworks. Complementing his educational prowess, Mr. Tarasyuk is a polyglot, fluent not only in Ukrainian but also in English, French, and Russian. This linguistic versatility has undoubtedly been a significant asset in his extensive international engagements and negotiations, enabling direct and effective communication across diverse diplomatic settings.

Demonstrating his ongoing commitment to global discourse and leadership development, Borys Tarasyuk maintains several significant affiliations. As of 2012, he has been a sitting member of the International Honorary Council of the European Academy of Diplomacy. This esteemed body contributes to shaping the next generation of leaders in international affairs by offering world-class diplomatic training programs. Furthermore, he is an active Senior Network Member at the European Leadership Network (ELN), an independent pan-European think tank. The ELN brings together a diverse network of influential figures – including former and serving senior politicians, diplomats, military commanders, and academics – to work collaboratively on foreign, security, and defense policy issues critical to Europe's future. His involvement with these organizations underscores his continued influence and dedication to fostering international cooperation and security.

Frequently Asked Questions About Borys Tarasyuk's Career

When did Borys Tarasyuk serve as Ukraine's Minister for Foreign Affairs?
Borys Tarasyuk served two non-consecutive terms as Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. His first tenure was from 1998 to 2000, and his second term extended from 2005 to 2007.
What is the significance of his role as Ukraine's permanent representative to the Council of Europe?
As Ukraine's permanent representative to the Council of Europe since December 2019, Mr. Tarasyuk represents Ukraine within this pivotal international organization, which is the leading human rights organization in Europe. His role involves advocating for Ukraine's interests, participating in discussions on democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, and ensuring Ukraine's voice is heard on the European stage, particularly concerning its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Which languages is Borys Tarasyuk fluent in?
In addition to his native Ukrainian, Borys Tarasyuk is fluent in English, French, and Russian. This multilingual capability has been a valuable asset throughout his distinguished diplomatic career.
What is the European Leadership Network (ELN) and what is Borys Tarasyuk's role in it?
The European Leadership Network (ELN) is an independent, pan-European think tank dedicated to promoting common European foreign, security, and defense policy. Borys Tarasyuk is a Senior Network Member at the ELN, contributing his expertise to discussions and initiatives aimed at strengthening European security and cooperation.