On 14 September 2015, Mr. Sven Erik Svedman from Norway has taken the oath as the new President of the EFTA Surveillance Authority. Mr. Svedman has previously served as State Secretary, Secretary General and Director General for Europe in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He was Ambassador to Germany (2007–2014), to France (2003–2005) and to Israel (1994–1997) as well as the Chief Economist in the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2014-2015). The Governments of the EFTA States have appointed Mr. Svedman for the period of 1 September 2015 to 31 December 2017.