Brussels, 6 October 2026
The EU Commission appointed today Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß as Director for EU-Ukraine Defence Readiness within its Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). This department leads the European Commission’s activities in the European defence industry and European space sectors, implementing the Union’s Space Programme and ensuring an innovative, and competitive defence industry. This decision takes effect on 16 October 2026.
Drawing on more than 25 years of professional experience, Ms von Seherr-Thoß brings broad expertise in European security and defence, combined with a strong management track record developed through leading large, multidisciplinary teams and steering complex policy and operational files in rapidly evolving geopolitical contexts. Her experience spans strategic direction in defence cooperation, military capability support, crisis management and preparedness, as well as the implementation of financially sound assistance instruments. She has proven experience working closely with Member States, industry, and institutional and international partners, to ensure coherence across instruments and deliver results under pressure. She has also managed significant financial resources and steered complex, cross-cutting policy initiatives, including support to Ukraine. This combination of policy, operational and management expertise makes her particularly well equipped to lead the Directorate for EU-Ukraine Defence Readiness in DG DEFIS.
Benedikta von Seherr-Thoß, a German national, is currently Managing Director for Peace, Security and Defence at the European External Action Service. Before joining the European institutions in 2022, she held senior positions in Germany’s defence administration.
Source – EU Commission