Brussels, 12 February 2025
The European Commission has decided today to appoint Pierre Bascou as Deputy Director-General at the Directorate for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI), in charge of markets and international relations. This DG supports and promotes knowledge and evidence-based green and digital transition towards a sustainable, competitive, and resilient EU agriculture, rural areas and food systems. It develops, implements, monitors, and evaluates the Common Agricultural Policy. The date of effect will be determined later.
Mr Bascou brings nearly 30 years of experience at the European Commission in the agricultural field, with a distinguished career in policy development, economic analysis, and interinstitutional coordination. Throughout his almost three-decade long tenure at DG AGRI, he has held several senior management positions, demonstrating strong leadership, strategic foresight, and a deep understanding of agricultural, sustainability, and market policies. His extensive expertise across these areas equips him with the necessary skills to oversee and coordinate the work of the directorates under his responsibility, ensuring the effective implementation of key policy priorities. His leadership will be instrumental in advancing a resilient and competitive agricultural sector, fostering market stability, and promoting income growth within the framework of a sustainable food system. His proven ability to navigate complex policy landscapes will further strengthen DG AGRI’s role in delivering on the EU’s agricultural and sustainability objectives.
A French national, Mr Bascou has been serving as acting Deputy Director-General of DG AGRI for the past two years. In this capacity, he has been promoting a resilient and competitive agricultural sector. Previously, he was Director for three different Directorates in the same DG in charge of markets, income support and sustainability. Before joining the Commission in 1992, Mr Bascou built a strong foundation in economics, statistics, and agriculture, working for leading consulting firms across Europe.
Source – EU Commission