Tanja Gonggrijp: Benelux candidate for the position of Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe - PR Council of Europe, Strasbourg
> Afficher cette page en français
Benelux candidate for the position of Deputy Secretary General of the Council of Europe
Nominated by Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg
“At a time of profound geopolitical shifts, the Council of Europe’s mission is more essential than ever. The organisation must continue to guide, protect and inspire our shared European future.
Driven by this strong conviction, I am committed and fully equipped to support the Secretary General in delivering on the priorities of the statutory bodies of the organisation.
The Council of Europe must catch the wave and rise to today’s challenges. This requires meaningful reforms. Drawing on my career in diplomacy and my experience with (change) management, I am determined to drive this reform.
I will work to turn vision into action and to strengthen the organisation, making it even more relevant for all those it serves – the citizens of Europe.”
Mr Tom Berendsen
“In the current dynamic geopolitical situation, we need a strong Council of Europe. Tanja has a successful track record in management and in driving change at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, an organisation facing similar challenges and operating in the same environment as the Council of Europe.”
Mr Xavier Bettel
“At a time when positions are hardening and views diverging, strong relationships are more important than ever, across all stakeholders and at all levels. In my experience, Tanja is a person who makes connections easily and sincerely, with an open mind.”
Mr Maxime Prévot
“Tanja’s excellent political and diplomatic skills will be a key asset. In her capacity as Chair of the Committee of the Parties to the Istanbul Convention, Belgium appreciated her inclusive and strategic leadership. Her outreach to stakeholders across institutions significantly advanced the dialogue and contributed to the effective protection and promotion of women’s rights.”
Ms Iryna Mudra
“Tanja’s professionalism and tireless dedication have been instrumental in delivering on accountability for Ukraine, first with her support making the Register of Damages a reality and now in steering the Committee of Ministers towards the establishment of the Special Tribunal on the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine.”
Catching the wave: my vision on the role of Deputy Secretary General
1. Trust
Further strengthening the strong basis of trust among the leadership, the Council of Europe institutions and other internal and external partners...
2. Reform
… to support reform for an organisation that is agile, innovative and fit for future purpose in an evolving geopolitical context…
3. Impact
… with tangible impact on our core values democracy, human rights and rule of law.
My priorities
Strengthening the capacity of the Council of Europe to deliver on its core priorities, in politically relevant areas where the organisation’s work is unique and acknowledged.
Strong cooperation within the triangle of the Parliamentary Assembly, the Committee of Ministers, and the Secretary General and secretariat. Further strengthening international, regional and national partnerships.
Building an organisation that is fit for future purpose: truly responsive and strategic, with a stronger capacity to prioritise, arbitrate, and anticipate future challenges.
Experience |
|
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs | |
| 2022-present | Permanent Representative to the Council of Europe |
| 2019 – 2022 | Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives |
| 2015 – 2019 | Head of Sustainable Production and Trade, Sustainable Economic Development Department |
| 2014 – 2015 | Program coordinator for human resources policy renewal |
| 2004 – 2014 | Positions at the Director-General for International Cooperation, in Senegal and at the Western and Central Europe Department Netherlands Institute of International Relations |
| Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael | |
| 2000 – 2004 | Programme coordinator, Europe Department |
|
|
| 2014 – 2015 | Postgraduate programme, Human Resources Strategy, School of Management Groningen |
| 1995 – 2000 | Master’s degree in International Relations, University of Twente |
|
|
| English | C2 |
| French | C1 |
| German | B1 |
| Swedish | B2 |
| Dutch | Native |
“Let’s engage to achieve a united and strong Europe, respecting our diversity.”