Recent meetings
No recorded meetings with EU commissioners.
Mission & Goals
I am an independent policy and stakeholder engagement professional active at EU level, with a focus on biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, research-for-development, and international cooperation. My work centres on facilitating dialogue between research institutions, policymakers, donors and civil society, and contributing to evidence-based policy discussions. In parallel to my elected mandate as City Councillor in Leuven, I engage with EU institutions and international partners on issues including food systems, agrobiodiversity, humanitarian support and inclusive governance. My remit includes stakeholder coordination, policy communication and resource mobilisation in support of transparent and informed EU decision-making.
EU Legislative Interests
My areas of interest concern EU policies related to biodiversity, sustainable agriculture, climate action, food systems, and international cooperation. In particular, engagement may relate to the European Green Deal framework and its associated initiatives, including biodiversity protection, sustainable food systems, and climate mitigation and adaptation measures, as well as EU's Global Gateway Relevant policy areas include the EU Biodiversity Strategy, nature restoration and ecosystem resilience initiatives, the Common Agricultural Policy, research and innovation policy under Horizon Europe, and EU external action concerning sustainable development and food security. Engagement may also concern legislative and non-legislative measures supporting agrobiodiversity, sustainable land use, circular economy approaches, and multilateral environmental agreements where the EU plays a role.
Communication Activities
My activities focus on the translation of scientific evidence into policy-relevant communication and public advocacy, particularly concerning the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 and the European Green Deal. Strategic Publications: Co-authored and coordinated the Kunming Manifesto, a technical-to-policy framework aligning agrobiodiversity research with the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). This involved synthesizing complex data into accessible policy briefs for institutional stakeholders and donors (e.g., DG INTPA, DG RTD, and DG AGRI). Event Management & Advocacy: Led communication and stakeholder engagement for the 3rd International Agrobiodiversity Congress. I managed digital campaigns and high-level briefing sessions to secure global policy commitments on food system resilience and sustainable land use. Crisis Communication: Founded and managed "Leuven Info – Ukraine," a humanitarian information network. This initiative involved disseminating critical logistical data and coordinating with civil society to support EU-aligned refugee response and solidarity efforts. Local Policy Dissemination: In my capacity as an elected City Councillor in Leuven, I regularly publish updates and engage in public forums regarding local issues. This work effectively communicates the municipal-level implementation of EU climate goals to citizens. Technical Briefings: Frequently produce and disseminate research summaries and social media content for the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, focusing on the Farm to Fork Strategy and international development cooperation.
Interests Represented
Promotes their own interests or the collective interests of their members
Member Of
Currently, I am associated with and contribute to the following organisations and networks: 1) The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT (CGIAR): My primary professional affiliation where I lead technical-to-policy translation and international project management. 2) City Council of Leuven (Gemeenteraad Leuven): As an elected City Councillor, I am a member of the municipal legislative body, specifically contributing to commissions on finance, sustainability, and spatial planning. 3) Vooruit Belgium: My political affiliation, through which I hold my elected mandate and engage in pan-European policy advocacy focused on evidence-based governance and social justice. 4) DiversLeuven: Board member of this NGO to promote diversity and equal opportunities in Leuven, Belgium. 5) International Agrobiodiversity Congress (IAC) Network: Contributor and lead for the development of the Kunming Manifesto, involving coordination with a global network of scientists, policy-makers, and NGOs.
Organisation Members
N/A
Additional Information
The estimated annual costs for activities covered by the register reflect a total 1.0 Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) allocation. This is divided equally between the primary registrant (0.5 FTE) and a senior technical colleague (0.5 FTE). This figure represents the professional value of the time dedicated specifically to interest representation and engagement with EU institutions. The valuation incorporates the synthesis of technical expertise in science-policy translation, (agro)biodiversity, climate resilience, and food systems with practical governance experience. Key activities include: 1) Developing and drafting evidence-based policy briefs and technical position papers. 2) Engaging in strategic dialogues to provide science-based innovation updates to EU stakeholders. 3) Monitoring and responding to public consultations and legislative developments relevant to food systems and international cooperation. In addition to the value of professional time, the estimate accounts for direct operational expenses. These include travel for institutional meetings, participation in stakeholder fora, and the production of communication materials designed to inform EU policy frameworks. Regarding the funding of these activities: while previously supported through the registrant’s role at the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT, this institutional affiliation is concluding. Funding is transitioning toward an independent professional capacity, where activities are supported through remuneration from expert engagements in the international development and sustainability sectors. This calculation strictly excludes costs associated with purely academic research, municipal administration, or internal administrative tasks that do not aim to influence EU decision-making.