Matteo Mecacci Appointed Director of EPIK

Launched in March 2026, EPIK is an independent and non-partisan think tank that brings together Ukrainian and European researchers and analysts in Kyiv to develop analysis, ideas, and policy proposals on Ukraine’s integration into the European Union and Ukraine’s role in European security.

Matteo Mecacci is a policy expert and former Italian diplomat with more than twenty years of experience in senior positions related to geopolitics, democracy, and human rights, with a particular focus on European security and EU integration processes. He previously served as Director of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) in Warsaw, has worked in civil society, and served as a member of the Italian Parliament.

“It is an honor to join EPIK at such a critical moment for Ukraine and Europe. EPIK has the ambition and potential to become a leading platform for innovative and independent policy analysis and dialogue on Ukraine’s future, European integration, and regional security. I look forward to working together with the team and partners in Ukraine, across Europe, and internationally,” said Matteo Mecacci.

Mecacci succeeds Fredrik Wesslau, who led the establishment of EPIK during 2025–2026.

“We are very pleased to welcome Matteo Mecacci, who brings extensive experience and a clear vision for EPIK’s future. Under the leadership of Acting Director Fredrik Wesslau, EPIK has already positioned itself at the center of the policy debate on the future of Ukraine and Europe, and I look forward to following EPIK’s continued development,” said Fredrik Löjdquist, Director of SCEEUS at UI.

EPIK is co-funded by Sida and the European Union. Read more about EPIK here.