Veteran EU environmental leader to guide WRI Europe at a pivotal moment for the region’s climate, nature and economyTHE HAGUE (September 1, 2026) — World Resources Institute (WRI) today announced Dr. Hans Bruyninckx as the new Regional Director of WRI Europe. A longtime leader in European environmental policy, Bruyninckx brings decades of experience spanning science, public policy and academia, including ten years at the helm of the European Environment Agency. Bruyninckx takes up the role at a pivotal moment for Europe, as governments navigate growing pressures around economic competitiveness and security alongside accelerating climate and nature risks. He will lead WRI Europe’s work with governments, businesses and other partners to bring evidence-based solutions into these interconnected debates across food, land, water, cities, energy, as well as climate finance and governance. Dr. Bruyninckx most recently served as a Commissioner on WHO’s Pan-European Commission on Climate and Health. From 2013 to 2023, he led the European Environment Agency, overseeing its work to provide independent environmental evidence and analysis to policymakers across the European Union. Over the course of his career, he has also taught at the universities of Leuven, Wageningen and Antwerp, worked extensively across the NGO sector and advised institutions shaping climate and environmental policy across Europe.’I feel privileged to join the WRI Europe team at a time when the region faces fundamental choices about how to build a prosperous and resilient future,’ said Hans Bruyninckx. ‘The natural systems we all depend on are under growing strain from overuse, depletion and pollution — and this summer has shown just how directly those pressures affect our societies. Europe needs solutions grounded in evidence, attuned to policy realities and rooted in society. That is what makes WRI a strong partner for Europe.’‘Hans joins WRI’s leadership at a moment when our work in Europe and across the wider network is more interconnected than ever,’ said Adriana Lobo, Managing Director for Global Presence & National Action at WRI. ‘He brings scientific depth, firsthand experience shaping EU policy and strong relationships across the region and beyond. That combination will be invaluable in expanding WRI Europe’s influence and impact.’Dr. Bruyninckx studied political science and international relations at Antwerp University and KU Leuven, followed by a degree in development economics at the University of Louvain (UCLouvain). He earned his PhD in international environmental politics from Colorado State University.He joins WRI Europe as it marks 10 years in the region and continues to grow, with offices in The Hague and London and joint hubs in Brussels and Bonn.Dr. Bruyninckx will begin his role on September 28.About World Resources Institute (WRI):WRI works to improve people’s lives, protect and restore nature and stabilize the climate. As an independent research organization, we leverage our data, expertise and global reach to influence policy and catalyze change across systems like food, land and water; energy; and cities. Our 2,000+ staff work on the ground in more than a dozen focus countries and with partners in over 50 nations.