Ex-MEP Appointed as Advisor to von der Leyen

A former leading MEP has taken up a senior role with the EU Commission, it has emerged.

Philippe Lamberts is a former co-leader of the Greens/EFA group in the European Parliament.

The Belgian politician has now taken up a role advising the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

The main task of the 61-year-old Belgian national, also a former business executive, is to help to support the transition to a climate-neutral economy. 

Lamberts will play an advisory role in delivering on the 2030 climate targets, with a view to reaching climate neutrality by 2050.

With over 15 years of experience in the European Parliament, of which ten at the co-presidency of the Greens/EFA Group, Lamberts can, says the EU,

“build on vast experience and a large network in politics, international affairs and the business community.”

An EC spokesman told this site:

“Lamberts will contribute to reaching the 2030 target by investing into outreach to different stakeholders, building bridges between business and civil society, political actors, administrations as well as vulnerable groups.

“He will bring trends and innovations from society and business into policy making.

“Especially in the current context it is of utmost important to better explain the transition, implement existing legislation in a simplified way, and make sure no one is left behind.”

Lamberts will work closely with the Commission President and her cabinet and collaborate with the relevant College members and Directorates-General. He will be supported by a small experts’ team.

Commenting, von der Leyen said:

 “The cooperation with the Greens/EFA group has been constructive in the current mandate and they played an important role in securing a pro-European majority at my re-election as Commission President in July.

“For me, the Greens/EFA group is part of the pro-European majority in the European Parliament like the platform that I want to continue working with, for example on topics like reaching our climate targets, the Clean Industrial Deal, cutting red tape and global engagement.

“Philippe Lamberts, who has earned respect across party and sector lines, will serve as a trustworthy bridge builder between all stakeholders required to move forward on our path to climate neutrality.”