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. In this video, Kurt Vandenberghe, Director-General at DG CLIMA, shares his wishes and thoughts on why we need Science4Policy evidence and engagement with policymakers and stakeholders.

Kurt Vandenberghe has been the Director-General at the European Commission’s Directorate-General Climate Action (DG CLIMA) since 2023. Before his appointment, he was the Green Deal and Health advisor to President Ursula von der Leyen since December 2019. He had joined the cabinet of the President, coming from DG Research and Innovation, where he was Director for Policy and Programming since February 2016 and Acting Director for Research and Innovation Outreach since June 2019. Before that, he was Director for ‘Climate action and resource efficiency’ at DG Research and Innovation since July 2013.

He served in the Cabinet of Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin (1999-2004) and as Head of the Cabinet of Janez Potočnik, who was Commissioner for Research and Innovation (2004-2009) and subsequently for Environment (from 2010).

We need organisations that go the extra mile and translate complex evidence into practical insights for policy. And that is where IEEP plays such a vital role. Over the years, IEEP has consistently provided high-quality analysis across key areas, from land use and agriculture to the circular economy and industrial transformation.

IEEP is making sure our industry and our decisions are well-informed. At a time when climate change is reshaping our economies,
our societies and geopolitics, the role you play is more critical than ever.

Watch Kurt Vandenberghe video message.