The European Commission has decided to transfer, in the interest of the service, Daniel Calleja y Crespo, to the function of Head of the European Commission Representation in Spain. In this function, Mr Calleja y Crespo will serve as the official representative of the European Commission in Spain under the political authority of President Ursula von der Leyen. The date of effect will be determined later.
Renowned for his ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders across diverse policy areas, Mr Calleja y Crespo brings strategic vision and outstanding communication skills to his role as the Commission's next voice in Spain, promoting EU policies and fostering dialogue with national authorities, media, and civil society.
He brings over 35 years of distinguished experience in EU policy design, implementation and strategic leadership. His background combines deep legal expertise with strategic judgment. Throughout his career in the European Commission, he has held numerous leading management positions, consistently demonstrating exceptional leadership and deep expertise in EU legislation.
Mr Calleja y Crespo, a Spanish national, has been serving as the Director-General of the Legal Service of the European Commission since 2020, guiding the Commission's legal strategies and ensuring compliance with EU treaties and regulations. His extensive senior management experience includes previous roles as Director-General of DG Environment (DG ENV) and of DG Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW). He also served as Head of Cabinet for former Vice-President of the European Commission Loyola de Palacio responsible for Transport and Energy, and for former Commissioner Marcelino Oreja, dealing with Institutional Affairs, Audiovisual Policy, and Relations with the European Parliament.
Background
The Commission maintains Representations in all capitals of EU Member States, and Regional Offices in Barcelona, Bonn, Marseille, Milan, Munich and Wroclaw. The Representations are the Commission's eyes, ears and voice on the ground in EU Member States. They interact with national authorities, stakeholders and citizens, and inform the media and the public about EU policies. Heads of Representations are appointed by the President of the European Commission and are her political representatives in the Member State to which they are posted.
