According to information confirmed by BalticWind.EU sources, former Belgian Minister of Energy Tinne Van der Straeten is set to become the new Chief Executive Officer of WindEurope, the association representing Europe’s wind power sector.
Van der Straeten served as Belgium’s federal Minister of Energy from October 2020 until January 2025, during a period marked by unprecedented turbulence in Europe’s energy system. Her tenure coincided with the COVID-19 recovery phase, the energy price crisis, and the geopolitical shock following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. As minister, she played a central role in steering Belgium’s energy transition while balancing security of supply, affordability, and climate objectives.
One of the most consequential decisions during her mandate was the shift in Belgium’s nuclear policy. Following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, Van der Straeten led negotiations to extend the operational lifetime of two nuclear reactors, Doel 4 and Tihange 3, by ten years. At the same time, she advanced investment in future-oriented technologies, including government funding for research into small modular reactors. Her work also included shaping Belgium’s capacity remuneration mechanism and supporting the acceleration of renewable energy deployment.
Before joining the federal government, Van der Straeten built a long political and professional career spanning legislative work, local government, and the non-profit sector. She has been a member of the Belgian Chamber of Representatives on two occasions and has held numerous board-level roles in foundations and civic institutions. Trained as a lawyer, she combines legal expertise with a strong background in energy and climate policy.
It is also worth recalling that Van der Straeten’s expected appointment follows the announcement of the departure of WindEurope’s long-serving CEO, Giles Dickson. After nearly a decade at the helm of the association, Dickson confirmed his decision to step down, citing his wish to return home after 26 years of working outside the UK. In his farewell message, he highlighted the achievements of Europe’s wind sector, which now supplies around 20 percent of the EU’s electricity, strengthens energy security, reduces dependence on Russian gas, and supports jobs and industrial competitiveness. Dickson was also a strong advocate for offshore wind development in the Baltic Sea region, particularly in Poland, where he repeatedly emphasised the importance of building a robust domestic supply chain and recognised Poland’s potential role as a key European manufacturing hub for offshore wind. He will remain in his role until the end of the year to ensure a smooth leadership transition.
If confirmed, her move to WindEurope would signal a high-profile transition from national policymaking to sector leadership at European level. WindEurope represents hundreds of companies and national associations across the wind energy value chain and plays a central role in shaping EU policy debates on renewable energy, industrial competitiveness, and energy security.
The appointment comes at a critical moment for the European wind sector. Developers and manufacturers face mounting challenges related to permitting delays, supply chain pressures, grid constraints, and global competition. At the same time, the EU’s climate and industrial policy agenda places wind energy at the core of Europe’s decarbonisation and strategic autonomy goals.
With deep experience in navigating political trade-offs, crisis management, and EU-level negotiations, Van der Straeten is widely seen as a figure capable of strengthening WindEurope’s voice in Brussels and across member states. WindEurope has not yet made an official announcement, but multiple sources indicate that the decision has been taken and that Van der Straeten will assume the role at the start of the new year.
