Despina Spanou

Deputy Director General for Networks and Technology- Cybersecurity coordination @ European Commission | Diplomacy, Policy Analysis

Brussels Metropolitan Area

About

Experience in EU internal market policy, legislative negotiations, engaging with public and private sector stakeholders. crisis management, people management, managing change.

Experience

  • European Commission (22 yrs 10 mos)
    • Deputy Director General for Communications Networks and Technology
      Nov 2025 - Present · 8 mos

    • Principal Adviser on Cybersecurity
      Jan 2025 - Nov 2025 · 11 mos

      Responsible for: coordinating security and technology issues - ensuring cybersecurity policy is taken up across all policies - implementing #EU #cybersecurity actions

    • Head of Cabinet of Commission Vice President M Schinas
      Dec 2019 - Dec 2024 · 5 yrs 1 mo

      Responsible for heading the private office of the European Commission Vice President on security, migration, health, skills, education, culture and sport, combatting antisemitism and ensuring freedom of religion and beliefs.

  • Visiting Faculty Member at Harvard Kennedy School
    Jan 2020 - Present · 6 yrs 6 mos

    Teaching EU cybersecurity policy at the programme for executive education on the intersection of cybersecurity policy and technology of Harvard Kennedy School.

  • Associate in the Brussels office at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP
    Sep 1999 - Sep 2003 · 4 yrs 1 mo

    EU Competition and Regulatory law

  • Legal Internship at Court of Justice of the European Union
    1999 - 1999 · Less than a year

    Trainee at the Department of Research working for all Advocates General and Judges.