Ambassador Bert Versmessen is the new Deputy Permanent Representative of Belgium to the European Union

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Bert Versmessen as the new Deputy Permanent Representative of Belgium to the European Union. He is replacing Ambassador Pierre Cartuyvels, who returned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following a successful tenure, crowned by the Belgian Presidency of the Council. With a distinguished career spanning nearly three decades in diplomacy and international relations, Ambassador Versmessen brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this pivotal role.

Born in Ninove on August 7, 1970, the Ambassador has a rich academic background, holding a Master’s Degree in Germanic Philology from KULeuven, a Master's in European Political Studies from the College of Europe in Bruges, and a diploma in political science and international relations from UCLouvain. His commitment to understanding diverse cultures was further enhanced during his time as a Fulbright student at the University of Wyoming, USA.

Ambassador Versmessen's professional journey has taken him across the globe, serving in various capacities, including at the Belgian embassies in Budapest, in Damascus, and in Ottawa. His has exercised leadership roles at the European External Action Service (EEAS), where he served as Deputy Commander of EU Civilian Operations, first permanent Chair of the Political-Military Working Party and Chief of Staff to the Deputy Secretary-General.

In his recent role as Ambassador of Belgium to Rwanda, he protected Belgian interests in the Great Lakes region of Africa and assisted in navigating a complex bilateral relationship. Now, returning to Brussels, he expresses his enthusiasm for tackling the challenges ahead, stating, "I am honoured to step into this role at the heart of the European Union. Working with such a talented team of colleagues from all levels of Belgian federal and federated administrations gives me great optimism for the future.”

As Deputy Permanent Representative, Ambassador Versmessen will represent Belgium in the COREPER I. He is prepared to navigate the complex landscape of EU politics and contribute to significant policy discussions in the interest of Belgium and the EU as a whole. He remarks, “As a new Commission and Parliament begin a new 5 year cycle, the Council has an essential role to play in delivering concrete results to all our citizens and businesses. The European Union is at a crucial juncture, and I look forward to working alongside dedicated professionals who share a commitment to advancing our collaborative goals, especially in the fields of the COREPER 1."