News

Leadership changes in Bellona Europa

Bellona

Publish date: October 31, 2013

Written by: Maya Boutroue Vedeld

After twelve years as head of Bellona’s EU office in Brussels, Paal Frisvold is leaving his position as Chairman of the Board on 1 November this year. Frisvold has made a substantial contribution to building and fortifying Bellona Europa’s position among important energy and climate issues in the EU.

“I am proud to have contributed to building Bellona’s presence in Brussels, ensuring that we play an active part in shaping the EU’s energy and climate policies,” Frisvold said.  “Today, Bellona Europa is acknowledged by EU decision makers as a key stakeholder in the European environmental movement.”

Bellona Foundation General Director Nils Bøhmer, is taking over the position as Chairman of Bellona Europa’s board effective 1 November. Bellona Europa Director Jonas Helseth will continue his work and ensure that Bellona’s presence in Brussels remains strong.

Founder and President of Bellona , Frederic Hauge, applauded Frisvold’s effort to position Bellona vis-à-vis the EU decision making institutions for over a decade.

“Paal has done an incredibly good job over the past 12 years,” said Hauge. “The major changes Bellona has accomplished within the EU in policy areas such as the Arctic, carbon capture and storage (CCS),industrial pollution and waste management policy, wouldn’t have been possible without Paal’s commitment and efforts.

Hauge is pleased that Frisvold will continue his cooperation with Bellona as a member of the Bellona Europa’s board.  

Frisvold will now return to a Norwegian consulting company, called the The Brussels Office,  which provides strategic EU counseling to Norwegian stakeholders.

Facts about Bellona Europe: 

Bellona has been present in Brussels since 1994. It was established as an independent international environmental foundation under Belgian law.

Five employees currently work in Bellona Europa, promoting innovative technological and political solutions with the aim of changing the framework for industry and business throughout the EU and European Economic Area.

Bellona Europa seeks to reduce green house gas emissions from energy production and transport, improve energy efficiency in buildings, use waste as a resource and reduce toxic emissions offshore and onshore.