A Deputy Director-General is a senior executive role serving directly under the Director-General within a Directorate-General, which is a principal department responsible for a specific policy area. The Deputy Director-General assists the Director-General in the overall management and strategic guidance of the Directorate-General’s operations and is often entrusted with overseeing significant portfolios or specific thematic areas within the department.

The responsibilities of a Deputy Director-General include supporting the Director-General in policy development, implementation, and coordination across different units and sectors. They may represent the Directorate-General in the absence of the Director-General, liaise with other EU institutions, member states, and external stakeholders, and ensure that the department’s activities support the EU’s broader policy objectives and legislative agenda.