ABSL Summit Speakers

James Hughes Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs British Embassy Warsaw

James Hughes is Minister-Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the British Embassy, Warsaw. He is responsible for leading the Embassy’s work in strengthening the economic and trade relationship between the UK and Poland. James also works with colleagues in British missions across central Europe to enhance our prosperity relationships with our key partners.

James previously served as Political and Media Counsellor at the British Embassy, Seoul, where he led that mission’s work on political and security affairs, media and public affairs, and supported the UK’s work to agree continuity trade and political agreements with the South Korean government following Brexit.

In London, James held positions in the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office leading teams on strategic defence and security policy; defence and security partnerships and exports; EU legislation, institutional affairs and reform; and the implementation of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty. James also served as Chair of the capacity-building Working Group of the Contact Group on Piracy off the Coast of Somalia.

Prior to joining the FCO, James held positions in a number of UK Government Departments, with a focus on European Union policy. James has also spent time working in both the European Commission and Council of Europe.

James has a BA in Politics and Modern Languages from the University of Essex, a MA in European Political and Administrative Studies from the College of Europe (Bruges) and a Diploma in Political Science from the French Institute of Political Science (Sciences-Po).

James is married with one son.