Athena, as this mechanism is called, was established during the January session of the EU General Affairs and External Relations Council to finance the common costs of EU crisis-management operations.

The costs of such operations come in two categories: those borne by each participating state in connection with their own personnel and equipment, and other costs shared in common among all EU states.

Athena, a mechanism to which all EU member states contribute, will cover common costs only, mainly those of an administrative kind.

Mr Gafa’s appointment as a member of the Athena College of Auditors is for the next three years, effective yesterday. Other members of the College of Auditors are from the United Kingdom, Sweden, Greece, Estonia and Denmark.

Mr Gafa is a certified public accountant and auditor. A Fellow of the Malta Institute of Accountants, he has extensive work experience in both the public and private sector. He is married with two children.