Program archives

Ambassador Guenter Burghardt became Head of the Delegation of the European Commission in Washington in October 1999 after serving as the Commission's Director-General for External Relations (since 1993) and the Commission's Political Director (since 1988)- first under President Jacques Delors and Commissioner Hans van den Broek and then Commissioner Chris Patten. In that post, he administered, inter alia, EU policies towards Europe and the New Independent States as well as the Common Foreign and Security Policy. From 1985-93, he worked closely with European Commission President Jacques Delors as Deputy Head of Cabinet. From 1981-84, he was Deputy Head of Cabinet to Mr. Narjes, Member of the European Commission for internal market, environment protection, nuclear safety and innovation. From 1972-80, he was with the Directorate General for external relations, dealing with relations with the U.S., Canada, and Australia, and developing the European Commission's external delegations network.

Ambassador Burghardt received degrees in law, economy and political science from the Hamburg, Strasbourg and Paris universities and a Ph.D. in law from the University of Hamburg in 1969. He was Assistant Professor of public and EC law at the University of Hamburg from 1966-70. Dr. Burghardt speaks German, French, English, Dutch, and some Italian. He is married to Rita Byl and has three children.