From January 1, 2025, Matilda Flemming will be the new Director of Friends of the Earth Europe (FoEE). She takes over from Jagoda Munic who led Friends of the Earth Europe since 2017.
Marilin Eessalu, chair of the Executive Committee, said:
“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Jagoda for her long-lasting leadership and dedication to FoEE, and its values. Her contributions have been invaluable, as she has led the organisation through very challenging times during the pandemic, two strategy cycles at FoEE, the creation of the European Green Deal, as well as through the recent backlash against environmental policies.“
Matilda Flemming said of her appointment:
“I’m thrilled and honoured to take on this challenge, and a challenge it will be: the climate we are in is both literally and figuratively boiling. Friends of the Earth Europe’s work at the intersection of environmental and social justice has never been more needed in the European public debate. While civic space is under threat, FoEE will remain a strong and outspoken defender of civil society’s role in shaping a fairer, greener, and more inclusive Europe. I aim to lead with care, collaboration, and courage as core principles, and will work to build organisational resilience in these politically challenging times.”
Up until now, Matilda led the communications team at Friends of the Earth Europe. Before joining Friends of the Earth, Matilda worked in the peacebuilding sector for a decade, first leading UNOY Peacebuilders, a global network of young peacebuilders, and later at the world’s largest peacebuilding NGO, Search for Common Ground, where she led on relations with European governments and the EU. Matilda is from Finland and holds a Master’s degree in Development Studies from the International Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, where she specialised in feminist economics.
Laura Hieber, current communications officer, becomes the new communications lead.
