The Director-General Political Affairs (DGPZ) develops future-proof policies for peace and security in the field of foreign political affairs and advises the political leadership on these matters. This is a challenge, as shifting geopolitical and economic power balances and the transition to a multipolar, fragmented world order have made the (policy) world more complex, unpredictable, and fragile.
The DGPZ therefore ensures an optimal information position to timely identify opportunities and risks of international developments and conflicts. He also invests in diplomatic relations with external parties, including colleagues in other countries, international and multilateral organizations (EU, UN, NATO), civil society organizations, knowledge institutions, and in cooperation with international partners and other departments. This is done, of course, together with the management team. The DGPZ is also responsible for the policy agenda, personnel, finances, organization, and operations within the directorate-general.
Joost Flamand has worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 1991. He is currently deputy DGPZ. Previously, he served as Director of Security Policy, Ambassador to Italy, Director of European Integration, and temporarily as Council Advisor Europe at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He studied Law at Utrecht University and obtained a postgraduate Diplôme Supérieur from the University of Paris II, specializing in European Law.
This appointment was made through the procedure for the top management group of the General Administrative Service.