Holger Mahnicke

Generalkonsul Holger Mahnicke

Generalkonsul Holger Mahnicke

Biography

Holger Mahnicke, born on February 25, 1960, in Hamburg, Germany, is a distinguished German diplomat who has served as the Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Kraków, Poland, since July 2023.

After completing his Abitur (secondary school diploma) in 1979, Mahnicke fulfilled his civil service obligations from 1979 to 1981. He then pursued studies in history, French, and pedagogy, earning his first state examination for teaching in 1986. Following his teacher training, he passed the second state examination for higher schools in Hamburg in 1989. In 1989, he began his preparatory service for the higher foreign service, which he completed in 1991.

Between 1991 and 1992, Mahnicke was stationed at the German Foreign Office in Berlin. From 1992 to 1995, he served at the German Embassy in Venezuela. After returning to the Foreign Office from 1995 to 1998, he was the Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from 1998 to 2002.

He then served as Deputy Head of Mission at the German Embassy in Malaysia from 2002 to 2004. Between 2004 and 2008, he was Deputy Head of Department at the German Foreign Office. From 2008 to 2009, he was an exchange officer at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Between 2009 and 2012, he served at the German Embassy in France. From 2012 to 2015, he was Head of Department at the German Foreign Office. In July 2015, he became the German Ambassador to Cameroon and was also accredited as Ambassador to the Central African Republic. After a year as Head of Department at the German Foreign Office, he assumed the position of Consul General in Kraków in July 2023.

Consul General

The role of the German Consul General in Kraków is to represent Germany’s interests in the region and provide essential services to German nationals living or visiting Poland. As a key diplomatic representative, the Consul General oversees consular services such as issuing passports, visas, and other official documents, as well as providing assistance in emergencies, such as legal matters, medical issues, or cases involving arrest or death.

The Consul General also fosters and strengthens bilateral relations between Germany and Poland, particularly in areas such as trade, culture, education, and tourism. They promote German culture and language through cultural events and collaborations with local institutions, businesses, and governmental bodies. In addition, the Consul General works to support German citizens, facilitate economic cooperation, and help develop stronger diplomatic ties between the two countries.

Moreover, the Consulate General is involved in political and diplomatic affairs, ensuring that Germany’s foreign policies are well-represented in Kraków and the surrounding region. This includes engaging with local authorities, community organizations, and other diplomatic missions to maintain and enhance Germany’s presence and influence.