The main focus of the visit was on getting to know each other. Dr. Stefan Lock has headed the European Commission's Regional Representation in Bonn since April 2024. Following the transfer of former head Jochen Pöttgen to Brussels and various temporary heads, the management of the Regional Representation is now permanent again.
"It is good that the management is now back in firm hands and that the Regional Representation can continue its important work in an intensive manner," said Mayor Katja Dörner. "We are currently experiencing just how important a united Europe is. I am glad that we in Bonn are such a 'EuroActive Municipality' – in fact, we have been awarded this distinction by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. It is both recognition and an obligation to continue working towards a united Europe and to bring Europe closer to its citizens. This is also possible thanks to the commitment of the EU Commission's Regional Representation here in Bonn, for which I would like to thank you," continued the Mayor.
The Regional Representation is the link between the European Commission and the citizens, media and political players in the federal states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse and Saarland.
"My team and I want to give a face to European policy in the region, go out and listen, explain European policy and encourage people to get involved and have their say," said Dr. Stefan Lock about his new role. The fight against disinformation is also more topical than ever - an important concern of the EU Commission's Regional Representation, especially in the run-up to the upcoming European elections on June 9, 2024, when young people aged 16 and over will be allowed to vote in Germany for the first time. "I am also very pleased to be back in Bonn - I still have fond memories of my student days here," said Dr. Lock, who also signed the City of Bonn's guest book during his visit.
Dr. Lock holds a doctorate in political science. Before moving to Bonn, he was Head of Cooperation for Ethiopia and Eritrea in Addis Ababa and previously held the same position in the EU Delegation to Afghanistan. In the past, he has worked in various diplomatic roles in several EU delegations in Uganda, Laos and Bangladesh, at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and for the General Secretariat of the United Nations, with a focus on international cooperation.
Mayor Katja Dörner and Dr. Stefan Lock also discussed upcoming appointments: At the City of Bonn's Europe Day on Saturday, May 11, 2024, the Regional Representation will of course be present again as co-organizer with its large pavilion and climbing pyramid on the market square. The Mayor and Dr. Lock will open Europe Day together, which will be preceded by a joint reception in the Old Town Hall. The Regional Representation of the EU Commission will also have a stand at the Festival of Democracy on Saturday, May 25, 2024, celebrating 75 years of the Basic Law.
What does the Regional Representation of the EU Commission do?
The Representations are the eyes, ears and voice of the European Commission in the EU Member States. They are in contact with the national representations and administrations, interest groups and citizens and inform the media and the public about EU policy.
The heads of representations are appointed by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen. They are her representatives in the respective Member State to which they have been seconded.