Prime Minister Tony Abbott's top foreign policy adviser has been named Australia's new ambassador to the EU.
Mark Higgie will take over the plum posting in Brussels from Duncan Lewis, who has been appointed to lead the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation.
Dr Higgie speaks several European languages, and previously was ambassador to Hungary and held postings in Vienna and Belgrade.
The veteran diplomat has academic expertise in cold war politics, as well as holding various positions with the secretive Office of National Assessments.
He joined the prime minister's office in March 2010, and following the coalition's election victory became Mr Abbott's key adviser on international affairs.
He will succeed Mr Lewis, who will end his term as ambassador Belgium, Luxembourg, the European Union and NATO when he takes over as ASIO head in September.
Mr Lewis was previously secretary of the Department of Defence, and before that oversaw national security for the prime minister.
He replaces David Irvine, who has headed ASIO since 2009.
