Former Belgian Energy minister to lead WindEurope

Tinne Van der Straeten, a senior figure in Flemish green party Groen and former Energy minister, has been appointed as the new chief executive of WindEurope, the European wind energy industry group.

WindEurope announced the appointment on Monday. Van der Straeten will start on 2 February and will step down from Belgium’s federal parliament. She is expected to be replaced by Claire Hugon of francophone greens Ecolo.

Van der Straeten was Belgium’s Energy minister from 2020 to 2025 and is a strong supporter of wind power. She takes over from Giles Dickson, who led WindEurope for 10 years. The organisation represents more than 600 companies and groups across Europe, including major firms such as Engie, Vestas, DEME and Jan De Nul.

She said she was taking on the role at a “crucial moment”, calling wind energy key to Europe’s energy security and independence in unstable geopolitical times. “My role is changing, but the agenda stays the same,” she said.

Leader of Flemish Greens steps down after less than a year

Bart Dhondt is stepping down as leader of the Flemish Greens, the Groen party, he announced in a video on social media. Dhondt has been the leader...

belganewsagency.eu

Her move comes amid wider changes within Groen. Last month, party leader Bart Dhondt announced he was stepping down after less than a year in the role, following disappointing election results and low poll ratings.

Van der Straeten said she would miss working in parliament but stressed that energy policy remained her main passion.

^{#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO JONAS D'HOLLANDER}

Related news

Flanders launches fast-track procedure for wind turbines

The Flemish government has launched a fast-track procedure for wind turbine projects, with a stricter deadline for appeals and additional staff to...

belganewsagency.eu