Brussels, 29 January 2025
The European Commission has decided today to appoint Stefan de Keersmaecker as Director for Strategy and Corporate Communication at the Directorate-General for Communication (DG COMM). This department is the corporate communication service under the responsibility of the President of the Commission, promoting and supporting the political priorities of the Commission, while contributing to bring Europe closer to its citizens. The date of effect will be determined later.
Mr de Keersmaecker brings over 30 years of experience across both the public and private sectors, with a significant exposure to a variety of policy areas ranging most notably from communication to employment, humanitarian aid as well as health matters and regional policy. Having taken on several management and coordination responsibilities throughout his career at the Commission, he is equipped with robust management skills, together with a proven track-record of effective leadership and an excellent ability to plan, structure, and prioritize tasks and resources under his responsibility. As a spokesperson who managed the health portfolio at the European Commission during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr de Keersmaecker demonstrated exceptional resilience, composure, and clarity under immense pressure. His ability to effectively communicate complex and evolving information while maintaining public trust showcased his dedication and skill in crisis communication. His broad expertise in communication will enable him to continue to convey policies and priorities effectively, fostering understanding and trust across diverse audiences.
Mr de Keersmaecker, a Belgian national, is currently a Deputy Chief Spokesperson of the European Commission. He joined the Spokesperson’s Service in 2019, assuming responsibility for a range of policy areas including health and transport. In 2022, he became Coordinating Spokesperson in charge of the Green Deal. Between 2017-2019, he served as Head of Unit responsible for relations with the European Court of Auditors at DG Employment. In earlier stages of his career, he was Deputy Head of Unit at the same DG working on the European Social Fund and led several teams at the Commission’s Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operation. Before joining the Commission in 2001, he worked as an attorney in different law firms.
Source – EU Commission