A Director-General in the European Commission is the highest-ranking civil servant. The position is equivalent to a State Secretary in an EU member state ministry.

The Director-General is responsible for setting the strategic direction and ensuring the effective functioning of the Directorate-General in fulfilling its mandate.

The role of the Director-General includes overseeing the development and implementation of EU policies and legislation within their specific area of competence, managing staff and resources, and ensuring that the Directorate-General’s activities align with the broader priorities and objectives of the EU. They report to the EU Commissioner in charge of their policy area and collaborate closely with other Directorates-General, EU institutions, and member states.

Director-Generals are key figures in the EU’s decision-making process, providing expert advice and support to the Commissioners and contributing to the formulation of EU policies. They also represent the EU in international negotiations and discussions relevant to their field of expertise. The position demands a high level of leadership, diplomatic skills, policy knowledge, and the ability to manage complex organizational structures and processes.