Joachim Maes

Maes

Team Leader, Sustainable Freshwater Unit, Directorate-General for Environment, European Commission

Joachim Maes is a Team Leader in the Sustainable Freshwater Unit of Directorate-General for Environment at the European Commission, a role he has held since June 16, 2025. With an extensive career in environmental policy and analysis, Joachim has led various teams and projects, contributing significantly to EU initiatives focused on green transitions and biodiversity. Previously, he headed the GIS-Team at Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy and served as a Policy Analyst, underpinning his expertise in spatial data analysis and policy development. Between 2008 and 2021, he worked at the Joint Research Centre in Ispra, Italy, where he managed projects that supported the EU biodiversity strategy. He holds a PhD in Biology, specialising in Aquatic Ecology. His work is recognized in over 100 peer-reviewed publications, showcasing his commitment to advancing knowledge in ecology, climate change, and sustainable resource management.