Covington Boosts Cross-Atlantic Government Affairs with Jean De Ruyt

Covington Boosts Cross-Atlantic Government Affairs with Jean De Ruyt

1/17/2012

BRUSSELS, 17 January, 2012 — Covington & Burling LLP is pleased to announce that Jean De Ruyt has joined the firm’s government affairs group as a senior European policy advisor in Brussels.

Ambassador Jean De Ruyt is among the most experienced diplomats in Europe. Most recently, he served as the Permanent Representative of Belgium to the European Union and was chair of the Committee of Permanent Representatives during the 2010 Belgian Presidency of the Council.

Ambassador De Ruyt, a non-lawyer, will work with Covington’s transatlantic government affairs team, which includes experienced lawyers as well as former senior policymakers. The team advises clients on a range of European public affairs issues, including the EU policy-making processes, functioning of the European institutions, development of EU legislation and accession of new EU members. Ambassador De Ruyt has particular expertise in the workings of the EU Council and EU institutions more broadly, transatlantic relations and United Nations development policy.

Ambassador De Ruyt was closely involved in Europe’s response to the financial crisis and the resulting legislation at the European level. He was instrumental in the creation of the European diplomatic service and, as the Permanent Representative, facilitated the resolution of a variety of state aid and competition policy disputes for Belgian companies.

Ambassador De Ruyt was also involved in the negotiation of the European Single Act and the Nice and Lisbon Treaties, in initiatives relating to the implementation of the Oslo agreements in the Middle East and in the rebuilding of peace in Central Africa. He also participated in the stabilisation of the former Yugoslavia and the development of NATO and European Defence.

Peter Bogaert, managing partner of Covington’s Brussels office, commented: “Jean is a tremendous addition to Covington’s existing government affairs capabilities in Europe and internationally. His knowledge of the European institutions and the complex interplay between EU, U.N. and U.S. policies and his strategic insights on complex matters are second to none and we are confident his arrival will significantly support our legal team and will be welcomed by many of our clients.”

Ambassador De Ruyt added: “Today’s businesses face many challenges navigating the complexity of the European Institutions and the legislative and policy landscape that has emerged since the global financial crisis of 2008. The re-building of the European and global economies is going to take some time. I look forward to joining Covington’s team of experts with a proven track record of developing and implementing successful strategies in these circumstances.”

Ambassador De Ruyt has been awarded Grand Officier de l’Ordre de Léopold and Cavaliere dell’Ordine al Merito della Repubblica Italiana for his services to European diplomacy.