Thérèse Blanchet appointed new Secretary-General of the Council

On 13 October 2022, the Council appointed Ms Thérèse Blanchet as the next Secretary-General of the Council for the period from 1 November 2022 to 31 October 2027.

This follows an agreement reached on 7 October 2022 at the informal meeting of the Heads of State or Government in Prague.

Ms Thérèse Blanchet is currently the Legal Counsel of the Council and European Council, and Director-General of the Council Legal Service.

• New Secretary-General of the Council (press release, 7 October 2022)

Role of the Secretary-General

The Treaties provide that the General Secretariat of the Council assists both the European Council and the Council and that it is placed under the responsibility of a Secretary-General appointed by the Council.

The Secretary-General is responsible for the management of the General Secretariat. He or she ensures the continuity and progress of the Council’s and European Council’s work and advises both institutions. Under the responsibility of the Secretary-General, the General Secretariat of the Council assists the European Council and the Council of the EU and their preparatory bodies in all fields of their activities.

The GSC provides advice and support, including policy and legal advice, coordination with other institutions, and working out compromises. It also attends to all the practicalities that are necessary for the good preparation and running of the European Council and the Council. The Secretary-General of the Council attends the meetings of the European Council.

CV of Thérèse Blanchet 

Current position: Director General of the Council Legal Service, Legal Counsel of the European Council and the Council

Born: 22 May 1962

Nationality: French

Civil status: married to Jouko Lempiäinen, one child 

Career 

2019
Director General of the Council Legal Service, Legal Counsel of the European Council and the Council

2012
Director for Justice and Home Affairs in the Council Legal Service

2000
Adviser to the Director General of the Council Legal Service and Head of its Coordination Unit

1995
Legal adviser in the Council Legal Service

1990
Legal adviser in the European Free Trade Association (EFTA)

1987
Attorney at law, Geneva (Switzerland) 

Education 

1989
Master of European Law (postgraduate), College of Europe, Bruges (Belgium)

1987
Admitted to the Bar (Bar exams), Geneva (Switzerland)

1984
Graduate in Law, University of Geneva (Switzerland)

Languages 

French, English. Some German.