To celebrate our first 50 years of work, throughout 2026, we will feature messages, reflections and videos from colleagues, friends, allies and supporters of IEEP. This month, Janez Potočnik reflects on his time as a former Commissioner over 20 years ago, recalling how IEEP and his team stood alongside him to defend nature and shares his vision for a less wasteful and fair energy transition.
Janez Potočnik is a Slovenian economist. In his long career, he covered many roles, including the Head of Negotiating team for the accession of Slovenia to the EU, Director of Government Office for European Affairs, Minister Councillor at the office of the Prime Minister and Minister responsible for European Affairs. In 2004, he joined the European Commission, first as ‘shadow’ Commissioner for Enlargement and then as Commissioner responsible for Science and Research, when he introduced the European Research Council.
In 2010, he became the European Commissioner for the Environment. His main contribution during the term was the first EU package of Circular Economy, a comprehensive vision kickstarting EU-wide efforts for an economy and society transformation. After the end of his mandate in November 2014, he was appointed as a Co-Chair of the UNEP Environment International Resource Panel. He still holds that position. He is also a Partner at Systemiq.
“When I was Commissioner, I was very lucky because I had an army of well-educated, devoted and agile people defending our joint story. IEEP was always amongst the most proactive, and we shared our commitment to sustainability.
While I congratulate you, I ask you to stay active; you need to provide hope, and you need to provide us with a compass.”
