Brussels, 9 April 2025
The European Commission has decided today to transfer in the interest of the service Herald Ruijters to Head of the new Task Force for Security Action for Europe (SAFE) in Directorate-General for Defence, Industry and Space (DG DEFIS). This Directorate-General 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. The date of effect will be the 1st of May.
With almost three decades of service in the European Institutions, Mr Ruijters has built a distinguished career, with a special focus on innovation and transport. His career reflects a constant resilience, leading complex projects and initiatives, in varied roles throughout the European Commission. This has enabled him to navigate the nuances of EU policymaking when this comes to Trans-European Transport Network projects, military mobility, research or innovation, among others. He is recognised for his team leading capabilities, as well as his negotiation abilities and his capacity to think outside the box when it comes to produce innovative ideas. His experience has made him the perfect candidate for this new role.
Mr Ruijters, a Dutch national, is currently Deputy Director-General of the Directorate-General for Transport (DG MOVE), in charge of coordinating the Directorate for Investment, Innovative and Sustainable Transport. Previously, he was Director of the aforementioned Directorate, in charge of formulating policies and responsible for all transport related budgetary instruments, Trans-European Transport Network, military mobility, research, innovation, social and equality aspects. Before this, he was Head of Unit for the Trans-European Network unit in DG MOVE. Prior to join the Commission in 1997, he worked in different organisations, in charge of the execution of different research projects.
Source – EU Commission