EU: Kurt Vandenberghe
Current function
European Commission (Brussels, Belgium)
Since November 2004
Cabinet of Mr. Janez Potocnik, Member of the Commission for Research
Deputy Head of Cabinet
- Coordination of the research area; coordination of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Development.
Previous experience
European Commission (Brussels, Belgium)
September 1999 – November 2004
Cabinet of Mr. Philippe Busquin, Commission Member for Research
Member of Cabinet
- Advising and representing the Commissioner. Particular areas covered include research policy, life sciences and biotechnology, aeronautics, transport, space policy, security and defence, science and society, ethics, public health and consumer protection
- Co-ordination of press and communication
DGVII Transport
March 1999 – September 1999
Parliamentary Co-ordinator, reporting to the Director General
- Responsible for relations with European Parliament
- Co-ordination of social policy for DGVII
DGVII/E2: Transport Research and Development: intermodal and strategic aspects
Nov. 1996 - Feb. 1999
Co-ordinator of DG Transport’s Transport Research Programme (€ 270 million)
- Responsible for development and co-ordination of Transport Research Programme
- Preparing the Transport chapter in the Fifth R&D Framework Programme
Co-ordinator of the Commission’s Intermodality Task Force
- Author of the May 1997 Commission Communication on Intermodal Freight Transport
Ernst & Young Association Management (Brussels, Belgium)
April 1993 - October 1996
Manager
- Associations included: FreightForward Europe (FFE); US Automotive Components Industry (MEMA & SEMA); Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI); European Confederation of Tobacco Retailers.
Education
The Johns Hopkins University (Washington, DC and Bologna, Italy)
Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS)
1990 - 1992
M.A. in International Relations
- Concentrations: International Economics; Conflict Management
- Conceived and directed NSC Crisis Simulation, Bologna, April - May 1991
- Teaching assistant International Monetary Economics
Université Catholique de Louvain-la-Neuve (Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium)
1988 - 1989
Diploma in Public and International Affairs
Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (Leuven, Belgium)
Graduated in 1988
Licentiate in Romance Literature and Linguistics (French and Italian)
Founder and treasurer of the Flemish Foundation for Quality Journalism (www.fondspascaldecroos.be)